Habitat modelling of rivers and lakes in the netherlands: An ecosystem approach

Abstract

In the Netherlands, ecological rehabilitation of rivers, lakes and wetlands has a high priority in water and nature management. As a consequence of recent EU policy and regulations, water managers have to take measures to improve the ecological functioning and quality of rivers and lakes towards ’good or high quality status’. To achieve those ecological objectives, measures must be taken to improve water quality and to restore the natural hydro- and morphodynamic conditions. To assess the effectiveness of the ecological rehabilitation measures, habitat modelling and evaluation methods can be of high importance. However, an ecosystem approach of applying habitat evaluation techniques is essential. In this paper, we describe the state-of-the-art of habitat modelling in the Netherlands and recent developments within the context of EU directives and policies. Due to these new developments, existing Dutch habitat modelling tools are currently being merged into one generic modelling framework. This framework is based on GIS and will contain ecological databases and links with hydraulic, hydrological, morphological and water quality models. © 2003 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.