Typology, classification and management issues of Greek lakes: implication of the Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC)

Abstract

The European Water Framework Directive 2000/60/EC, requires the determination of ecological status in European waterbodies, based primarily on biological indicators, and that minimum good ecological quality is obtained by 2015. We used background morphometric, hydrologic, physico-chemical and biological data, in order to assess the typology of the main Greek lakes. Correlation analysis and multivariate analysis (Principal Component Analysis) were applied for the data statistical elaboration. Lakes were classified according to the characteristics suggested in the Directive and specified in the Annex II. Statistical analysis revealed significant correlations between the lake variables as well as the grouping of the Greek lakes according to their abiotic characteristics. Lake water uses, in most cases competed each other, were identified and management practices were also recorded. We suggest that the future conservation efforts should focus on a new holistic management philosophy taking into consideration the catchment's management.

Effects of a long term water level reduction on the ecology and water quality in an eastern Mediterranean lake

“…This appears to be the case in our study since the cladocerans were dominated by small sized Bosmina spp along with Chydorus sphaericus, although the high abundance of Chydorus sphaericus is related to the dense submerged vegetation (Mastrantuono and Mancinelli, 2005;Walseng et al, 2006) where the samplings were mostly conducted. Most of the recorded taxa (Keratella quadrata, Keratella cochlearis, Trichocerca sp, Filinia longiseta, Brachionus sp, Bosmina longirostris) are quite common and abundant in several eutrophic freshwaters of Greece (Michaloudi et al, 1997;Kagalou and Leonardos, 2009; Stefanidis and Papastergiadou, 2010). Overall, the zooplankton of the lake Vegoritis is dominated mostly by nauplii, followed by rotifers and small sized crustaceans.…”

“…Overall, the zooplankton of the lake Vegoritis is dominated mostly by nauplii, followed by rotifers and small sized crustaceans. This pattern of zooplankton composition appears to be dominant in the majority of Greek lakes and is attributed to the eutrophic conditions and increased fish predation (Kagalou and Leonardos, 2009). Our key results underline the fact that lake Vegoritis exhibited some alarming signs of ecological degradation.…”

Ecological impacts of global warming and water abstraction on lakes and reservoirs due to changes in water level and related changes in salinity

“…The reduced biomass of large Cladocera species in the zooplankton samples is a key feature of the case study lakes. Large-bodied zooplankton, such as Daphnia species, appear to be present in low abundances, which could be an indication of an enhanced fish predation pressure (Jeppesen et al, 1999;Jack & Thorp, 2002), mainly by carp (Kagalou & Leonardos, 2009). In addition, elevated salinity can reduce the zooplankton growth rate due to osmotic stress in salt-sensitive taxa (Table S3).…”

Implications of Human Activities, Land Use Changes and Climate Variability in Mediterranean Lakes of Greece

“…Moreover, although the climate change will affect the growth conditions of the crops, the impact on the demand for irrigation water depends on the capability of the farmers to adapt their crop production to the changing climate conditions. Nevertheless, in Greece, many lakes that serve as a source of irrigation water [40,41] are likely to be subjected to seasonal water level fluctuations or other hydrologic alterations. From 1972 to 2011, the extent of shrubs and trees in the studied area showed a decrease of 37.5% along with significant changes in patch and edge density (Table 5, Figure 6), as well as, steppic grasslands and bare lands presented an increased fragmentation and patch density.…”