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Project title

Framework for characterising oligotrophic (3110 & 3160) lakes using practical methods and assessment tools

Primary Funding Agency

Environmental Protection Agency

Co-Funding Organisation(s)

n/a

Lead Organisation

Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology (GMIT)

Lead Applicant

Heather Lally

Project Abstract

This research addresses fundamental and crucial knowledge gaps of oligotrophic isoetid (3110) and acid oligotrophic (3160) lake habitats. It will inform the EU Habitats and Water Framework Directives by: - Characterising Annex I 3110 and 3160 oligotrophic lakes and their natural variations through physical, chemical and biological assessment, - Evaluating the environmental conditions necessary to maintain/restore Annex I 3110 and 3160 lakes in favourable conservation status, - Assessing monitoring methods and assessment tools to ensure compliance with EU directives, - Recommending a conservation assessment framework that aligns the criteria of both Directives and, - Proposing measures to maintain/restore Annex 1 3110 and 3160 lakes to favourable conservation status. Results will enable development of novel methods (biological metrics for desmids, Coleoptera, Odonata) and assessment tools (desmid rapid automatic identification tool) while tailoring existing methods (Sentinel Hub�s EO Browser, Lake Trophic Diatom Index, macrophytes) and tools (sediment profile imagery). This research will inform the characterisation of protected 3110 & 3160 lakes and the selection of priority environmental conditions, evaluate appropriate monitoring methods and assessment tools, recommend a conservation assessment framework and inform the selection of measures needed to maintain/restore 3110 & 3160 lakes in favourable conservation status. The project team will communicate, in non-technical language, the project aims, results and recommendations across a variety of media for a wide range of target audiences. Furthermore, will provide effective knowledge transfer between research partners and steering committee, with the international scientific community, relevant stakeholder groups and local community groups as demonstrated by workshop activities, scientific documents and publication of reports. In addition, awareness of project goals and progress will be demonstrated by online activity, social media interaction, publications and utilised by the target audience according to their needs ranging from informing policy, raising awareness, technology, education and research. The following outputs are proposed: Literature review; Digital maps of occurrence, area and range; project datasets (historical, physico-chemical, biological data) and metadata, 7 Peer-reviewed publications; Sediment profile images; Desmid metric and desmid rapid automatic identification tool; Macroinvertebrate assessment tools; List of priority environmental conditions and measures; Framework for the alignment of conservation status boundaries; Simplified metric score cards; Draft catchment management plan template; PhD thesis; Communication strategy; Interim, final & synthesis reports; Infographics; Two-page summary; Website; Twitter; Conference posters & presentations; Press releases & interviews; Policy Briefing; and 2 Stakeholder and 2 citizen science workshop reports.

Grant Approved

�349,971.12

Research Hub

Natural Environment

Research Theme

Understanding, managing and conserving our water resources

Start Date

02/03/2020

Initial Projected Completion Date

01/03/2023