Initial Characterisation of Lakes Prespa, Ohrid and Shkodra/Skadar Implementing the EU Water Framework Directive in South-Eastern Europe

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Initial Characterisation of Lakes Prespa, Ohrid and Shkodra/Skadar Implementing the EU Water Framework Directive in South-Eastern Europe Initial Characterisation of Lakes Prespa, Ohrid and Shkodra/Skadar Implementing the EU Water Framework Directive in South-Eastern Europe Implementing the EU Water Framework Directive in South-Eastern Europe i Acknowledgements This publication is the result of a joint effort of ministries, competent authorities, research institutions and experts of Albania, Macedonia and Montenegro to characterise the three lake sub-basins jointly and pursuant to the EU Water Framework Directive. This endeavour, which involved the pooling of expertise from all three countries, was pursued with determination and in a spirit of cooperation at all levels: political, technical and administrative. All parties and persons involved are acknowledged for their contribution to this work. Disclaimer This publication has been prepared from original material submitted by the authors. Every effort was made to ensure that this document remains faithful to that material while responsibility for the accuracy of information presented remains solely with the authors. However, the views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of GIZ, the Governments of Albania, Macedonia and Montenegro, nor the national competent authorities in charge of implementing the EU Water Framework Directive. The use of particular designations of water bodies does not imply any judgement by the publisher, the GIZ, as to the legal status of such water bodies, of their authorities and institutions or of the delimitation of their boundaries. ii Initial Characterisation of Lakes Prespa, Ohrid and Shkodra/Skadar Contents Acronyms and Abbreviations ........................................................................................................................................................................................viii Foreword .....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................x 1 Introduction ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................1 2 Description of the Drin River Basin .........................................................................................................................................................................4 3 Water Framework Directive – National Legislation .........................................................................................................................................4 3.1 Albania ..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................4 3.2 Macedonia ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................5 3.3 Montenegro ................................................................................................................................................................................................................6 4 Lake Water Status – Requirements and Procedures According to the WFD .........................................................................................8 5 Lake Shkodra/Skadar Sub-Basin ..............................................................................................................................................................................10 5.1 Characteristics.........................................................................................................................................................................................................10 5.2 Types of Surface Water Bodies – Lake and Main Tributaries ............................................................................................................10 5.3 Type-Specific Reference Conditions .............................................................................................................................................................11 5.4 Identification of Pressures .................................................................................................................................................................................13 5.4.1 Methods ............................................................................................................................................................................................................13 5.4.2 Existing Data and Gaps .............................................................................................................................................................................13 5.4.3 Significant Point Sources of Pollution ...............................................................................................................................................13 5.4.4 Significant Diffuse Sources of Pollution ...........................................................................................................................................14 5.4.5 Water Abstraction ........................................................................................................................................................................................15 5.4.6 Hydromorphology and Water Flow Regulation ...........................................................................................................................15 5.4.7 Other Significant Anthropogenic Impacts ......................................................................................................................................15 5.5 Water Quality Assessment .................................................................................................................................................................................16 5.5.1 Sampling Stations ........................................................................................................................................................................................16 5.5.2 Chemical and Physico-Chemical Elements ....................................................................................................................................16 5.5.3 Specific Pollutants .......................................................................................................................................................................................19 5.5.4 Biological Quality Elements ...................................................................................................................................................................20 5.6 Impact and Risk of Water Bodies Failing to Meet Environmental Objectives .........................................................................32 5.6.1 Chemical and Physico-Chemical Elements ....................................................................................................................................32 5.6.2 Biological Elements ....................................................................................................................................................................................32 5.6.3 Hydromorphological Elements ............................................................................................................................................................33 5.6.4 Surface Water Status and Environmental Objectives Assessment .......................................................................................34 5.7 Protected Areas .......................................................................................................................................................................................................34 5.7.1 Albania ..............................................................................................................................................................................................................34 5.7.2 Montenegro ....................................................................................................................................................................................................35 6 Sub-Basin Lake Ohrid ...................................................................................................................................................................................................35 6.1 Characteristics.........................................................................................................................................................................................................35 6.2 Types of Surface Water Bodies – Lake and Main Tributaries ............................................................................................................36 6.3 Type- Specific Reference Conditions............................................................................................................................................................36 6.4 Identification of Pressures .................................................................................................................................................................................36 6.4.1 Methods ............................................................................................................................................................................................................36
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