SIST EN 17123:2019
(Main)Water quality - Guidance on determining the degree of modification of the hydromorphological features of transitional and coastal waters
Water quality - Guidance on determining the degree of modification of the hydromorphological features of transitional and coastal waters
This European Standard provides guidance on characterizing the modifications of the hydromorphological features of TraC waters described in EN 16503, enabling consistent comparisons of hydromorphological modification between TraC waters within a country and between different countries in Europe. Its primary aim is to assess ‘departure from naturalness’ as a result of human pressures on TraC hydromorphology, and it suggests suitable sources of information that may contribute to describing the modification of hydromorphological features. The procedures set out in this standard will encourage the objective assessment and reporting of the variability in transitional and coastal waters, and contribute to the work needed to implement the WFD and the MSFD; however, it does not replace methods that have been developed for local assessment and reporting.
Wasserbeschaffenheit - Anleitung zur Bestimmung der Ausprägung hydromorphologischer Merkmale der Übergangs- und Küstengewässer
Dieses Dokument enthält eine Anleitung zur Bestimmung der Ausprägung hydromorphologischer Merkmale von TraC Gewässern nach der Beschreibung in EN 16503 und ermöglicht konsistente Vergleiche hydro¬morphologischer Veränderungen zwischen TraC Gewässern innerhalb eines Staates und zwischen verschiedenen europäischen Staaten. Ihr vorrangiges Ziel ist die Klassifikation der „Abweichung von der Naturbelassenheit“ als Folge vom Menschen verursachter Belastungen der TraC Hydromorphologie, und sie empfiehlt geeignete Informationsquellen, die zur Darstellung der Veränderung hydromorphologischer Merkmale beitragen können. Die in dieser Norm aufgestellten Verfahren unterstützen die objektive Bewertung und Berichterstattung über die Veränderlichkeit in TraC Gewässern und leisten einen Beitrag zur Umsetzung der WRRL und der MSRL; es werden jedoch keine Verfahren ersetzt, die für lokale Klassifikation und Berichterstattung entwickelt wurden.
Qualité de l'eau - Document d'orientation sur la détermination du degré d'altération des caractéristiques hydromorphologiques des eaux de transition et des eaux côtières
Le présent document fournit des orientations sur la caractérisation des modifications des caractéristiques hydromorphologiques des eaux de transition et des eaux côtières décrites dans l’EN 16503, permettant des comparaisons fiables de la modification hydromorphologique entre les eaux de transition et des eaux côtières au sein d’un même pays et entre différents pays d’Europe. Son principal objectif est d’évaluer l’écart par rapport au caractère naturel résultant des pressions anthropiques sur l’hydromorphologie des eaux de transition et des eaux côtières. Il suggère également des sources d’informations appropriées susceptibles de contribuer à la description de la modification des caractéristiques hydromorphologiques. Les modes opératoires décrits dans la présente norme favoriseront l’évaluation objective et le rapportage de la variabilité des eaux de transition et des eaux côtières, et contribueront au travail de mise en oeuvre des directives DCE et DCSMM ; cependant, ils ne remplacent pas les méthodes mises au point pour l’évaluation locale et le rapportage.
Kakovost vode - Navodilo za določevanje stopnje spremenjenosti hidromorfoloških značilnosti somornic in obalnih morij
Ta dokument podaja navodilo za določevanje stopnje spremenjenosti hidromorfoloških značilnosti somornic in obalnih morij.
General Information
Standards Content (Sample)
SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-maj-2019
.DNRYRVWYRGH1DYRGLOR]DGRORþHYDQMHVWRSQMHVSUHPHQMHQRVWL
KLGURPRUIRORãNLK]QDþLOQRVWLVRPRUQLFLQREDOQLKPRULM
Water quality - Guidance on determining the degree of modification of the
hydromorphological features of transitional and coastal waters
Wasserbeschaffenheit - Anleitung zur Bestimmung der Ausprägung
hydromorphologischer Merkmale der Übergangs- und Küstengewässer
Qualité de l'eau - Document d'orientation sur la détermination du degré d'altération des
caractéristiques hydromorphologiques des eaux de transition et des eaux côtières
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN 17123:2018
ICS:
07.060 Geologija. Meteorologija. Geology. Meteorology.
Hidrologija Hydrology
13.060.10 Voda iz naravnih virov Water of natural resources
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.
EN 17123
EUROPEAN STANDARD
NORME EUROPÉENNE
December 2018
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
ICS 07.060; 13.060.10
English Version
Water quality - Guidance on determining the degree of
modification of the hydromorphological features of
transitional and coastal waters
Qualité de l'eau - Guide pour la détermination du degré Wasserbeschaffenheit - Anleitung zur Bestimmung der
de modification des caractéristiques Ausprägung hydromorphologischer Merkmale der
hydromorphologiques des eaux de transition et des Übergangs- und Küstengewässer
eaux côtières
This European Standard was approved by CEN on 5 October 2018.
CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this
European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references
concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre or to any CEN
member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by
translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC Management
Centre has the same status as the official versions.
CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania,
Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland,
Turkey and United Kingdom.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION
EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG
CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2018 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. EN 17123:2018 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.
Contents Page
European foreword . 3
Introduction . 4
1 Scope . 5
2 Normative references . 5
3 Terms and definitions . 5
4 Principle . 11
5 Determining the hydromorphological modifications of transitional and coastal
waters . 11
5.1 Survey strategy . 11
5.2 Defining hydromorphological units . 13
5.3 Procedure for scoring . 13
6 Interpreting and reporting hydromorphological modifications . 14
6.1 Minimum requirements for reporting . 14
6.2 Assigning classification terms . 15
Annex A (normative) Protocol for scoring . 16
Annex B (normative) Formulae for use in quantitative scoring of selected features . 37
Bibliography . 39
European foreword
This document (EN 17123:2018) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 230 “Water
analysis”, the secretariat of which is held by DIN.
This European Standard shall be given the status of a national standard, either by publication of an
identical text or by endorsement, at the latest by June 2019, and conflicting national standards shall be
withdrawn at the latest by June 2019.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. CEN shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
According to the CEN-CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organisations of the
following countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria,
Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia,
France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta,
Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland,
Turkey and the United Kingdom.
Introduction
This document will enable broad assessments and comparisons to be made of the hydromorphological
modifications of Transitional (estuaries, lagoons, etc) and Coastal waters (TraC waters) throughout
Europe (e.g. for reporting by the European Environment Agency). These systems have been increasingly
influenced by human activities over many centuries and hence the modifications relate to historical and
recent developments that are superimposed over the natural and large-scale changes and variability
experienced by these systems.
This document attempts to acknowledge the particular spatial and temporal heterogeneity of coastal
and transitional systems. TraC systems are dominated by multi-directional processes (waves acting in
different directions, as well as bi-directional tidal flows operating at differing tidal levels, which can be
further complicated by variable wind orientation). As a result, the natural variability within coastal and
transitional water bodies can often be significant in spatial and temporal scales, which need to be
reflected during comparisons against natural baselines or reference conditions.
European Directives such as the Water Framework Directive (WFD)[ref 1] and the Marine Strategy
Framework Directive (MSFD) [ref 2] require Member States to determine that hydromorphological and
physico-chemical conditions should be suitable for supporting biological assemblages; the WFD and
MSFD in turn require Member States to indicate, respectively, that good ecological status and good
environmental status have been attained. The MSFD descriptors, criteria and indicators include
hydromorphological features.
EN 16503 (Water quality — Guidance standard on assessing the hydromorphological features of
transitional and coastal waters) describes a protocol for field survey and feature recording, whereas this
standard gives guidance on assessing the modification of TraC hydromorphological features. It focuses
especially on human pressures that affect TraC waters and thus will be valuable for implementing the
WFD by indicating the extent to which these pressures will cause a departure from hydromorphological
reference conditions.
Although the procedure described in this document enables the hydromorphological modification of
TraC waters to be determined and described, it does not attempt either to describe methods for
defining high status for hydromorphology under the WFD or to link broadscale hydromorphological
classification to assessments of ecological status. In addition to its relevance to the WFD and MSFD, this
standard has applications also for nature conservation, environmental impact assessment, river basin
management, flood and erosion risk assessment (e.g. the EC Floods Directive) [ref 3] and setting targets
for restoration. In addition, for the Habitats Directive [ref 4] there is a need to maintain certain
“features” in favourable condition, which has also given rise to a focus on hydromorphological
assessments.
(Note that in this standard, “assessment” is used as a broad term referring to the general description of
features and the pressures affecting them. It is not used to imply the judgement of particular levels of
“quality” or “value”, whether related to status under the WFD, MSFD or more generally.)
WARNING — Safety issues are paramount when surveying transitional and coastal waters. This
European Standard does not purport to address all of the safety problems, if any, associated with
its use. It is the responsibility of the user to establish appropriate health and safety practices
and to ensure compliance with any EU and national regulatory conditions or guidelines.
IMPORTANT — Persons using this document should be familiar with usual laboratory and
fieldwork practice. It is absolutely essential that tests conducted according to this document be
carried out by suitably trained staff.
1 Scope
This document provides guidance on characterizing the modifications of the hydromorphological
features of TraC waters described in EN 16503, enabling consistent comparisons of
hydromorphological modification between TraC waters within a country and between different
countries in Europe. Its primary aim is to assess "departure from naturalness" as a result of human
pressures on TraC hydromorphology, and it suggests suitable sources of information that may
contribute to describing the modification of hydromorphological features. The procedures set out in
this standard will encourage the objective assessment and reporting of the variability in transitional
and coastal waters, and contribute to the work needed to implement the WFD and the MSFD; however,
it does not replace methods that have been developed for local assessment and reporting.
2 Normative references
There are no normative references in this document.
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given and the following apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— IEC Electropedia: available at http://www.electropedia.org/
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at http://www.iso.org/obp
3.1
attribute
specific recorded element of a hydromorphological feature
EXAMPLE “Silt” and “boulders” are natural substrate attributes, “sheet piling” and “gabions” are attributes of
engineered banks.
[SOURCE: EN 16039:2011, definition 3.2]
3.2
bathymetry
shape of the sea-bed as measured by the distribution of depth
3.3
beach nourishment
artificial process of replenishing the beach using marine sediment (e.g. sand) to increase the
recreational value or to protect the beach against erosion
3.4
bedform pattern
morphology of the sea bed
Note 1 to entry: Refers to the morphology of soft bottoms. The bedform patterns may be simple or complex
depending on the size and shape of the system and the nature of the local sediment transport processes.
Deposition produces features such as sand and gravel bars, while erosion results in scour features.
[SOURCE: EN 16503:2014, definition 2.4]
3.5
biogenic reef
mass consisting of the hard parts of organisms, or of a biogenically constructed frame enclosing detrital
particles, in a body of water
Note 1 to entry: Most biogenic reefs are made of corals or associated organisms.
[SOURCE: EN 16503:2014, definition 2.5]
3.6
biogenic structure
structure formed by organisms that when grouped together create physical habitats (e.g. reefs) or
stabilize sediments (e.g. seagrass beds, mussel beds)
3.7
breakwater
artificial structure used in coast protection to reduce wave energy
3.8
coastal cell
length of coastline confined by natural or artificial barriers across which little or no sediment is
transported
3.9
coastal water
surface water on the landward side of a line, every point of which is at a distance of one nautical mile on
the seaward side from the nearest point of the baseline from which the breadth of territorial waters is
measured, extending where appropriate up to the outer limit of transitional waters
Note 1 to entry: This definition from Article 2 of the EC Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC) is one
example of a definition of “coastal water” used for legal purposes.
3.10
connectivity
linkage within and between water bodies and between water and land through exchange of water,
sediment and organisms
[SOURCE: EN 16503:2014, definition 2.9, modified]
3.11
delta
landform that forms from deposition of sediment carried by a river as the flow leaves its mouth and
enters the sea
3.12
ecological status
expression of the quality of the structure and functioning of aquatic ecosystems, by comparing the
prevailing conditions with reference conditions
Note 1 to entry: As classified in accordance with Annex V of the EC Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC).
[SOURCE: EN 16039:2011, definition 3.15]
3.13
effective fetch
direct fetch, or distance in kilometres along which the wind blows from each direction, corrected by
fetches in directions of less than 45°
3.14
fetch
fetch length
distance of open water over which the wind can blow and generate wind-driven waves
[SOURCE: EN 16039:2011, definition 3.19, modified — “fetch length” was added as synonym]
3.15
fjord
long, narrow and glacially eroded inlet with steep sides, created in a valley often with a shallow
entrance at the mouth
[SOURCE: EN 16503:2014, definition 2.12]
3.16
groyne
coast protection structure built broadly perpendicular to the shoreline designed to reduce beach
erosion and trap sediment
3.17
highest astronomical tide
HAT
highest tide that can be expected to occur under average meteorological conditions and at the spring
and autumn equinox
[SOURCE: EN 16503:2014, definition 2.14]
3.18
hydromorphology
physical, hydrological and hydrodynamic characteristics of transitional and coastal waters including the
underlying processes from which they result
[SOURCE: EN 16039:2011, definition 3.22, modified]
3.19
intertidal area
foreshore
zone between high and low tide lines
[SOURCE: EN 16503:2014, definition 2.16]
3.20
lagoon
expanse of shallow coastal salt water, of varying salinity and water volume, wholly or partially
separated from the sea by sand banks or shingle, or, less frequently, by rocks
[SOURCE: EN 16503:2014, definition 2.17]
3.21
land claim
conversion of submerged areas to increase the dry land available for agriculture or development
3.22
mixing
blending of waters of different characteristics (e.g. temperature, turbidity, salinity) by turbulence and
diffusion, caused by tides, winds, waves, currents and river runoff
[SOURCE: EN 16503:2014, definition 2.19]
3.23
normal tidal limit
NTL
point at which the level of a river or stream ceases to be affected by the tidal flow
[SOURCE: EN 16503:2014, definition 2.20]
3.24
openness
P
SEA
potential influence of the sea on the general hydrology of a lagoon
3.25
physiography
prominent coastal landform features
[SOURCE: EN 16503:2014, definition 2.21]
3.26
planform
view of transitional or coastal water body from above
EXAMPLE E.g. sinuous, straight.
[SOURCE: EN 16503:2014, definition 2.22]
3.27
reef
ridge of rock, or other material, lying seawards of the low water line
[SOURCE: EN 16503:2014, definition 2.23]
3.28
reference condition
condition which is totally or nearly totally undisturbed by human activity
[SOURCE: EN 16503:2014, definition 2.24]
3.29
residence time
retention time
flushing rate
length of time it takes for a transitional water, sea loch, lagoon or fjord to exchange its water
Note 1 to entry: For enclosed bays “retention time” is the preferred term.
[SOURCE: EN 16503:2014, definition 2.25, modified]
3.30
ria
coastal inlet formed by partial submergence of a river valley
3.31
saltmarsh
area having characteristic vegetation adapted to saline soils and to periodic inundation by sea water
[SOURCE: EN 16503:2014, definition 2.26]
3.32
sandbank
low-energy feature created at the mouth of a river where it flows into the sea
Note 1 to entry: Sandbanks can also occur offshore, without the influence of rivers.
[SOURCE: EN 16503:2014, definition 2.27]
3.33
shore development
PSH
complexity of the perimeter of a lagoon
3.34
storm surge
change in water level as a result of meteorological forcing (wind, high or low barometric pressure)
additional to the astronomic tide; it may be positive or negative
[SOURCE: EN 16503:2014, definition 2.28]
3.35
stratification
layering of water column due to density differences resulting from changes in temperature, turbidity or
salinity with depth
[SOURCE: EN 16503:2014, definition 2.29]
3.36
substrate
rocky or sedimentary material making up the bed of a transitional or coastal water body
[SOURCE: EN 16503:2014, definition 2.30]
3.37
subtidal area
zone seawards below the low tide line
[SOURCE: EN 16503:2014, definition 2.31]
3.38
tidal prism
volume of water that flows into a tidal channel on the flood tide
[SOURCE: EN ISO 772:2011, definition 2.49]
3.39
tidal range
difference in level between high water and low water of a tide
[SOURCE: EN ISO 772:2011, definition 2.50]
3.40
tidal regime
parameters characterising tides including levels, periods, frequencies, harmonics, phases and spectra
[SOURCE: EN 16503:2014, definition 2.34]
3.41
transitional water
body of surface water in the vicinity of river mouths which is partly saline in character as a result of its
proximity to coastal waters but which is substantially influenced by freshwater flows
Note 1 to entry: In accordance with Article 2 of the EC Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC).
3.42
turbidity
reduction of transparency of a liquid caused by the presence of suspended particulate matter
[SOURCE: ISO 6107-2:2006, 145, modified]
3.43
wave exposure
wave energy environment of a shoreline
Note 1 to entry: An important variable, together with substrate composition and water depth, that influences
the habitat characteristics of the shoreline.
[SOURCE: EN 16503:2014, definition 2.39]
4 Principle
A standard protocol is described for assessing the extent to which the hydromorphological features of
TraC waters are modified by human activities; transitional waters include estuaries, lagoons, deltas, rias
and fjords. These features have been divided into two groups — those that describe the static,
structural features, i.e. shape, underlying geology, sediment patterns, etc., and the dynamic, functional
processes, including water movements, sediment budgets and water characteristics. All of these are
given as generic types but can be adjusted in a site-specific context and are used to determine any
“departure from naturalness” as a result of human pressures on the hydromorphology of TraC waters.
Those structural and functional attributes then provide the fundamental niches that are colonized by
organisms and thus produce the biological assemblages characteristic of these areas.
The structural features often can be determined from easily available maps, charts, aerial photographs,
databases, or by remote sensing. The functional processes, on the other hand, need to be determined
within each water body and, given the high spatial and temporal variability in these features, usually
require an intensive sampling campaign or modelling procedure and also detailed and specialized
analysis and interpretation.
Given the difficulty in determining some functional attributes, both this European Standard and
EN 16503 gives more attention to TraC structural features which can be regarded as surrogates for
hydrodynamic processes. For example, the bed sediment grain size may reflect the hydrodynamic
regime.
The main output from this standard is a method for the assessment of the modification of
hydromorphological features of an entire estuary or other transitional water (TW), a part of it, or a
length of a coast. This includes parts of the TraC water bodies requiring restoration because of recent or
historical modification, or where near-natural conditions need to be protected.
5 Determining the hydromorphological modifications of transitional and
coastal waters
5.1 Survey strategy
The scale of survey is important in hydromorphological assessment of TraC waters, especially with
respect to resolution and connectivity, and in assessing the severity of impacts. Different survey
techniques are scale-dependent. Different applications require different levels of detail. In some
instances, survey may be extended beyond the hydromorphological units of interest to provide a
complete picture of the relevant physical processes involved. (For further details on survey strategy,
see EN 16503:2014, 4.2.)
Timing and frequency of survey will vary among the different TraC waters because of their individual
dynamic behaviour, and will depend upon the reason for assessment. Hydrodynamic attributes should
generally be recorded at a higher frequency than morphological attributes. The timing of survey will
depend upon the objectives of the work and the methods used. To measure certain conditions and
regimes in continuously changing dynamic systems, measurements should be continuous or periodic
according to the dominant daily, tidal, seasonal, lunar, annual or other cycles. The frequency of survey
should ideally be linked with the rate of hydromorphological change; this in turn is partly related to the
resistance to change and the resilience of the system to recover from a specific set of pressures. Other
survey frequencies may be dictated by specific monitoring requirements.
When comparing how a hydromorphological unit has changed, it is essential that these comparisons are
made under equivalent conditions, both spatially and temporally.
To ensure consistency in approach, the main feature categories are the same as those in EN 16503.
However, some minor adjustments have been made to the details to help facilitate scoring (Table 1).
Table 1 — Hydromorphological characteristics of TraC waters
Assessment
Generic features Features assessed
Categories
MORPHOLOGY
1 Physiography
1a Planform (mouth width, coastal lagoon, estuary)
1b Artificial structures
1c Land claim
1d Beach nourishment
2 Connectivity
2a Seaward connectivity
2b Landward connectivity
2c Alongshore connectivity
3 Geology
3a Substrate
3b Bedform patterns
4 Biology
4a Disturbance to aquatic vegetation
4b Disturbance to natural biogenic reefs
4c Introduction of biota that form biogenic structures
HYDRODYNAMIC REGIME
5 Tidal regime
5a Tidal prism
6 Wave regime
6a Wave exposure
7 Water balance
7a Residence time/flushing rate
7b Freshwater discharge
8 Sediment dynamics
8a Sediment supply
Stratification or degree of
mixing
9a Salinity
9b Temperature
9c Stratification
5.2 Defining hydromorphological units
Units for assessing TraC waters should be defined using morphological features, geographical units and
discontinuities in coastlines, water column characteristics, coastal cells, inputs of fresh water, and
dimensions. The aim should be to delimit manageable areas for hydromorphological assessment.
Coastal waters may be dynamic and long-shore boundaries should be identified. These can be defined at
various scales, depending on the purpose of the study. No one definition of the landward boundary of
coastal waters accurately fits all conditions. Highest Astronomical Tide limit provides a consistent and
definable landward boundary, although internationally recognized baselines are now used to delimit
the start of territorial waters. In non-tidal or micro-tidal systems, a locally agreed high water mark,
which allows for storm surges, will suffice.
The seaward boundary of coastal waters is usually defined geo-politically based on distance from the
accepted baselines — normally to the 12-mile limit although this has no scientific justification. For the
purpose of hydromorphological assessment, the seaward limit along active shorelines in coastal waters
is the boundary beyond which significant nearshore hydrodynamic changes (e.g. sediment transport)
cannot be detected. For rocky coasts, where such processes are less significant, a more pragmatic
seaward limit can be set, such as the 1 nautical mile boundary in the WFD.
For hydromorphological assessments of transitional waters, a “whole estuary approach” works well for
small and medium-sized estuaries. In large estuaries, geological constraints combined with greater
contrasts in wave energy dissipation can produce two or more distinctive “behavioural zones” within
the estuary. Transitional waters (except for non-tidal lagoons) where not constrained by artificial
structures, often do not have clear boundaries with surrounding habitats. However, their boundaries
need to be defined in a consistent way so that valid comparisons can be made. For the purpose of this
standard, the upstream limit of an estuary should be defined as the Normal Tidal Limit, but in non-tidal
estuaries the upstream limit should be the point beyond which there is no saline influence. The location
of a boundary at the seaward limit of transitional waters should take account of the particular
geography of each site. Often, geographical features such as deltaic sandbanks, narrow mouth entrances
(e.g. lagoons), or discontinuities (breaks) in the coastline create a locally agreed boundary, hence the
need for local expertise and agreement. In some areas and countries, consistency has been achieved
using a “bay closing line” across the mouth of an estuary although this is difficult to determine in wide-
mouthed, funnel-shaped, coastal plain estuaries.
5.3 Procedure for scoring
Annex A sets out guidance on how to allocate scores for each feature category. It contains two separate
procedures for scoring — using score band A with quantitative data, or score band B with qualitative
data. Score band A (which is used for some of the 23 features) is a 5-point scale (1 = lowest degree of
modification, 5 = highest degree of modification). Score band B is a 3-point scale (1, 3, 5; following the
same general approach as for score band A). Users should state which scores have been assigned based
on quantitative data and which on qualitative descriptions, as this determines the degree of confidence
in the assessment. This note should also be added to any maps produced that show the results of TraC
hydromorphological assessment. An attribute should be left unscored where the user is not confident in
allocating a score.
Where the majority of scores have been derived from 5-band scales users may wish to retain the
5 bands.
Where the majority have been derived from 3-band scales users may wish to change the 5-band scores
to 3-band scores, as shown in Table 2.
Table 2 — Conversion of 5-band scores to 3-band scores
5-band score 3-band score
1 1
2 1
3 3
4 5
5 5
For those features where scoring 1 = 0 % to 5 % change (features 1a, b, c, d, f, 6a), an asterisk should be
added (i.e. 1*) where the recorded change is only 0 % to 1 %. This is to highlight TraC units with
extremely low levels of modification. A “!” symbol should be added (i.e. 5!) to indicate extreme levels of
modification.
The importance of each of the features in Table 1 for geomorphological and ecological functioning will
not be the same [ref 5]. However, at present there is insufficient scientific evidence to justify differential
weighting of the scores allocated.
Caution should be taken when comparing results based on a mixture of quantitative and qualitative
data, or where there is considerable variation in data quality.
6 Interpreting and reporting hydromorphological modifications
6.1 Minimum requirements for reporting
When reporting the results of hydromorphological assessment, the following should be included:
— purpose of the assessment (e.g. reporting to the EC in accordance with EU directives, EIA, Strategic
Environmental Assessments);
— description of the causes of potential hydromorphological change due to human activities that
should be considered (see EN 16503:2014, Water quality — Guidance standard on assessing the
hydromorphological features of transitional and coastal waters);
— definition of the hydromorphological unit(s) including explanation and justification;
— description of the hydromorphological features that are to be assessed within the
hydromorphological unit;
— description and justification of the reference conditions (see EN 16503:2014, 4.4.2) and the
baseline data used;
— justification of the score band(s) used for the assessment;
— description and justification of any deviations from this standard;
— results, including explanatory notes;
— interpretation of the consequences of hydromorphological change.
6.2 Assigning classification terms
Where five classes are used, the following terms should be assigned to descriptions of
hydromorphological modification, and represented (if required) on a map using the colour codes
recommended in EN 16503:
Table 3 — Classification terms for 5 classes
Class Description Map colour
1 Near-natural Blue
2 Slightly modified Green
3 Moderately modified Yellow
4 Extensively modified Orange
5 Severely modified Red
Where three classes are used, the following terms should be assigned to descriptions of
hydromorphological modification, and represented (if required) on a map using the following colour
codes:
Table 4 — Classification terms for 3 classes
Class Description Map colour
1 Near-natural to slightly modified Blue
3 Slightly to moderately modified Yellow
5 Extensively to severely modified Red
The names used to describe each class (e.g. “near-natural”) have been deliberately chosen to be
different from terms used in the WFD (e.g. “high”, “good”) to emphasize that classifications using this
standard are not necessarily related to classifications of ecological status for the WFD. Although the five
colours listed in 6.2, Tables 3 and 4 for reporting hydromorphological modification are the same as
those in the WFD, they are also used routinely for reporting other (non-WFD) aspects of environmental
quality.
Annex A
(normative)
Protocol for scoring
NOTE The area of assessment = the hydromorphological unit defined for the purpose of scoring the features in Annex A.
TW = Transitional water feature; CW = Coastal water feature
Assessment
Score band A – Score band B – TW or
Category and Features assessed Guidance/Background information Examples of suitable methods/data
Quantitative Qualitative CW
Generic features
MORPHOLOGY
1. Physiography a. Planform 1 = 0 % to 5 % with 1 = Near-natural The planform feature is only used for Digital terrain models from bathymetric TW
(mouth width, changed planform. planform. assessing the extent to which shape surveying/ topographic mapping, remote
coastal lagoon, has been modified. Example: one sensing images from satellites or aircraft.
2 = > 5 % to 15 % 3 = Planform non-
estuary) measure of the planform of an estuary Attention should be given to the quality of
with changed natural throughout
is to consider the sinuosity of the the input data: e.g. consistent datum such
planform. part of the area
channels that often develop in the as appropriate water level within the
assessed.
3 = > 15 % to 35 %
upper reaches of the macrotidal observation period, uncertainty of the data
with changed 5 = Planform non-
estuaries by comparing historic and with respect to uncertainty of
planform. natural in majority of
modern data sets. measurement, variance of interpolation
assessed area,
4 = > 35 % to 75 %
methods in space and time, etc.
with changed
planform.
5 = > 75 % with
changed planform.
Assessment
Score band A – Score band B – TW or
Category and Features assessed Guidance/Background information Examples of suitable methods/data
Quantitative Qualitative CW
Generic features
b. Planform – 1 = 0 % to 5 % 1 = Near-natural Comparison of the morphometric Topographic/bathymetric maps, satellite Coastal
openness change in P inlets. parameters with historical data for images or digital geospatial databases can lagoons
SEA
assessment of inlets, or using be used.
(P – see 3 = Inlets near-
SEA 2 = > 5 % to 15 %
modelling approaches
natural throughout Must be based on a consistent datum, such
3.24 for definition) change in P
SEA
part of the area as mean maximum water level within the
3 = > 15 % to 35 %
assessed or with historical observation period, or the mean
change in P
limited management minimum water level, combined with
SEA
action. information on bathymetry.
4 = > 35 % to 75 %
5 = Inlets non-
change in P
SEA
natural in majority of
5 = > 75 % change
assessed area,
in P
SEA including deepening,
widening/narrow-
ing, closing or
opening new inlets.
c. Planform – 1 = 0 % to 5 % 1 = Near-natural Comparison of the morphometric Topographic/bathymetric maps, satellite Coastal
Shore development change in PSH coastline. parameters with historical data for images or digital geospatial databases can lagoons
(PSH – see 3.33 for assessment of coastline complexity be used.
2 = > 5 % to 15 % 3 = Coastline near-
definition)
change in PSH natural throughout Must be based on a consistent datum, such
part of the area as mean maximum water level within the
3 = > 15 % to 35 %
assessed or with historical observation period, or the mean
change in PSH
limited management minimum water level, combined with
4 = > 35 % to 75 %
action. information on bathymetry.
change in PSH
5 = Coastline non-
5 = > 75 % change
natural in majority of
in PSH
assessed area,
including increases
or decreases in the
complexity of the
littoral zone.
Assessment
Score band A – Score band B – TW or
Category and Features assessed Guidance/Background information Examples of suitable methods/data
Quantitative Qualitative CW
Generic features
d. Artificial 1 = 0 % to 5 % of 1 = No or few Assess the presence of all artificial Information is needed on the size and TW/CW
structures affecting total shoreline artificial structures structures (whether submerged or location of structures. The impacts of
the shoreline length comprises present visible) including shore-parallel artificial structures are assessed in other
artificial structures structures and perpendicular sections.
3 = No artificial
structures.
2 = > 5 % to 15 % structures on most of Maps, charts and aerial images can be used,
of total shoreline the shoreline No discrimination is made between along with national databases of flood and
length comprises open and solid structures in this coastal defence structures, if available.
5 = Extensive
artificial structures section, but differences are considered
presence of artificial EUROSION database (2004) contains some
in the connectivity sections.
3 = > 15 % to 35 % structures on the information on longitudinal structures and
of total shoreline shoreline The total length of shore-parallel may be used to evaluate this attribute
length comprises structures such as sea walls within the where more recent or detailed data are not
artificial structures water body boundary are calculated available.
and expressed as a percentage of
4 = > 35 % to 75 %
length of coastline. In addition, the
of total shoreline
total width of structures perpendicular
length comprises
to the shore, such as groynes are
artificial structures
calculated and added to the length of
5 = > 75 % of total
parallel structures (Figure A.1). NB:
shoreline length
The width of perpendicular structures
comprises artificial
is NOT included in the assessment
structures
where there are parallel structures at
the same location.
Assessment
Score band A – Score band B – TW or
Category and Features assessed Guidance/Background information Examples of suitable methods/data
Quantitative Qualitative CW
Generic features
e. Artificial 1 = 0 % to 1 % of 1 = No or few This attribute covers structures such Information is needed on the size and TW
structures affecting surface area artificial structures as floating cages used for aquaculture, location of structures. Maps, charts and
the surface area of comprises artificial present harbours (including floating harbours), aerial images can be used, along with
a water body structures artificial salt marshes, artificial islands. national databases of structure designs.
3 = No artificial
2 = > 1 % to 5 % of structures on most of The impacts of artificial structures are
surface area the surface area assessed in other sections.
comprises artificial
5 = Extensive
structures
presence of artificial
3 = > 5 % to 10 % structures on the
of surface area surface area
comprises artificial
structures
4 = > 10 % to 35 %
of surface area
comprises artificial
structures
5 = > 35 % of
surface area
comprises artificial
structures
f. Land claim For tidal waters 1 = No or minimal This may be scored either as the Any data/documents allowing TW/CW
land claim percentage of land claimed in the determination of initial coastline position:
1 = 0 % to 5 % of
intertidal, or the percentage in the
land claim 3 = Land claim – Oldest reliable historical maps
whole of the hydromorphological unit.
area + inter-tidal throughout part of
– Old documents (pictures, photos,
It includes all artificial structures or
area the area assessed
plans)
areas currently on land that were
2 = > 5 % to 15 % 5 = Land claim
– Design plans for recent structures.
submerged areas before. Areas of
of land claim throughout most of
natural uplift are excluded from this
– Satellite or aerial images
area + inter-tidal the area assessed
assessment.
The use of modelled land claim data may
area
Assessment of these areas needs the
also be justified to estimate the extent of
3 = > 15 % to 35 %
coastline position before land claim.
land claim that occurred before the oldest
of land claim
reliable maps. Data sets on elevations, such
When the initial coastline (before land
area + inter-tidal
as LiDAR data, together with tidal gauging
claim) is known, the land claim area is
area
station data, can be used to model land
the area between this original and the
4 = > 35 % to 50 %
Assessment
Score band A – Score band B – TW or
Category and Features assessed Guidance/Background information Examples of suitable methods/data
Quantitative Qualitative CW
Generic features
of land claim present coastline. claim areas behind elevated flood or
area + inter-tidal coastal protection defence lines.
When defining the initial coastline, the
area
user should state the source of the For non-tidal waters bathymetric data are
5 = > 50 % of land information and justify the choice of needed to estimate the sub-littoral area at
claim area + inter- the date selected. the chosen depth.
tidal area
The method to calculate a percentage
For non-tidal score will differ depending on the tidal
waters or coasts range. For tidal waters, the ratio
with narrow tidal between land claim and the present
areas area of intertidal provides a good
indication of the loss of intertidal
1 = 0 % to 5 % of
habitat and the extent of land
land claim
reclaimed. This ratio can be calculated
area + area to a
by
consistent depth*
[% intertidal area loss = land claim
2 = > 5 % to 15 %
area/ (land claim area + present area
of land claim
of intertidal) × 100].
area + area to a
consistent depth* If the tidal range is very small, it may be
more appropriate to relate the land
3 = > 15 % to 35 %
claim area to the present littoral area to
of land claim area +
a certain depth:
area to a consistent
depth* [% loss = land claim area/(land claim
area + combined intertidal and
4 = > 35 % to 50 %
subtidal area to a consistent, selected
of land claim area +
depth) × 100].
area to a consistent
depth* *In shallow areas (e.g. lagoons), non-
tidal areas, or coasts with narrow tidal
5 = > 50 % of land
areas an appropriate depth (usually
claim area + area to
the maximum depth within the
a consistent depth*
hydromorphological unit) should be
selected and used consistently for each
water body assessment. In all cases the
reasons for using the chosen depth
should be described and justified.
Assessment
Score band A – Score band B – TW or
Category and Features assessed Guidance/Background information Examples of suitable methods/data
Quantitative Qualitative CW
Generic features
g. Beach NOT SCORED 1 = No or minimal Also known as “beach replenishment”, Data needed on the frequency and volume CW
nourishment beach nourishment “beach recharge” or ”beach feeding”, it of beach nourishment – obtained from
in the assessment includes a suitable source of material environmental impact studies of the
area that is compatible with, but not extraction/nourished zones, beach
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