This map shows the ecological status (i.e. status or potential) of macroinvertebrates in European rivers (i.e. rivers and canals) potentially impacted by general degradation. The ecological status class of a country's waterbodies (or stations) is assessed by each country according to their national classification system, following the Water Framework Directive. The assessment may be based by one or more samples measured during the year of reporting.
The purpose of this map is to show ecological status of individual biological quality elements (BQEs) and the major impact types. In comparison, the map layer "Ecological status or potential of water bodies" in the WFD Surface Water Viewer (http://www.eea.europa.eu/themes/water/interactive/soe-wfd/wfd-surface), displays ecological status or potential based on all BQEs combined, represented by the BQE with the worst class (the "one-out-all-out" principle). Moreover, the maps based on SoE-WISE biological data will be updated yearly, whereas the WFD database will be updated every 6th year.
Keep your dog on a lead if it is likely to run off and disturb wildlife.
In particular, be careful of nesting birds in early spring and early summer, and roosting or feeding birds in winter. If you have a dog, keep this in mind when you're taking it for a walk!
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