Monitoring aquatic ecosystems at Doñana natural space

Abstract

This paper reassesses the significance of Doñana from a limnological perspective. The rationale of the current monitoring plan, together with background information on the focal biological groups (i.e. macrophytes, benthic invertebrates and fish) is presented here. Sampling methods and indicator variables are also outlined. Preliminary analysis of 6-years monitoring data suggests a strong dependence of most biological indicators on weather conditions. Catastrophic, non-climate related events, like the sudden increase of suspended solids in the Guadalquivir River, are responsible for local, transient but dramatic effects in the population density of some invertebrate species in the estuary. © Springer Science+Business Media B.V. 2010.