DIN EN 16503:2012-12

This document provides guidance on approaches to characterising the hydromorphology in TraC waters. Its main aim is to improve the comparability of hydromorphological survey methods, data processing, interpretation and presentation of results. Transitional waters are aquatic areas that are neither fully open coastal nor enclosed or flowing freshwater areas. Their boundaries may still be defined by hydromorphological features and discontinuities, by salinity, or by any other hydrographic feature. The term ""coastal waters"" has been defined for various legal and political purposes, but in this hydromorphological standard they are defined as marine waters influenced by natural coastal features and processes. This standard: a) supports environmental and conservation agencies in meeting the monitoring requirements of the WFD and MSFD; b) generates data sets appropriate for monitoring and reporting of Natura 2000 sites designated under the Habitats Directive and the Birds Directive; c) provides information supporting other environmental reporting requirements (e. g. in relation to biodiversity or environmental impact assessment); d) supports management and restoration initiatives; e) defines the key term of ""hydromorphology"" and other terms relating to the physical characteristics of TraC waters and their hydrological regimes; f) lists essential features and processes of TraC waters that should be characterised as part of a hydromorphological survey and for determining hydromorphological condition; g) identifies and defines the key pressures affecting European TraC waters; h) provides guidance on strategies for collecting and presenting hydromorphological data depending on resources available and the anticipated use of the assessment; i) provides guidance on data quality assurance issues.