Minutes of the 1st meeting in Stuttgart 8-9 March 2001

European Aquatic Modelling Network (EAMN)

 

Working Group on “Raw Data” (WG1)

 

Agenda

 

o       Welcoming and introduction to the general WG objectives (Schmutz)

o       Round table to get to known each other

o       Invited speaker (Dave Scruton): “State of the Art in Biological Data Sampling and Analysing”

o       Development of a detailed working plan and time schedule

o       Sharing responsibilities, development and lay down of working methodologies (formal protocols for information exchange, web page, etc.), deadlines, etc.

 

The first session (afternoon 8 March) started with the introduction of WG participants followed by an open discussion on the individual expectations in respect to the “Raw Data” working group. The following issues were discussed:

 

Objectives of data sampling, Biotic indicator selection in relation to type of impact (WFD), cost-benefit analyses, Meta-database, Data format and protocols, River type specific approaches, Transferability of preference data, Data quality assurance and control, Spatial scales micro, meso macro, Temporal scales: time series, temporal variability, Appropriate sampling scale, Biotic data, Biotic interaction: predation, competition, Physical data: including temperature, Water quality assessment methods in the sense of chemical conditions already well developed, Sampling technologies, new sampling techniques, Raw data sampling within existing established methods like RIVPACS, BEAST, AUSRIVAS, Sending out a request (matrix of questions) to all WG participants, Preliminary definition of WG focus (As raw data sampling in aquatic modelling covers a very broad spectrum we have to specify our focus based on expertise represented by the group and based on research needs.), Establishing a framework for state-of-the-art definition,…..

 

The second session (morning 9 March) was used to structure our work for the definition of state-of-the-art in raw data sampling. The following general framework was defined:

 

General Framework

 

  1. Habitat characteristics

-          Physical

-          Chemical

  1. Biotic characteristics

-          Algae

-          Macrophytes

-          Riparian and floodplain vegetation

-          Macroinvertebrates

-          Fish

 

Sub-groups (expertise covered by COST participants)

  1. Physical habitat and instrumentation
  2. Fish
  3. Macroinvertebrates

 

Report format

Report covers established methods and methods being developed, summary in the main report, details in appendix

 

In the third session (afternoon 9 March) the sub-groups “Physical Habitat and Instrumentation”, “Fish” and “Macroinvertebrates” started to work on the definition of state-of-the-art. First results are documented in separate files.