M. Schneider’s scientific contributions

The predicted changes to global weather patterns and increases in the human population will put unprecedented pressure on European freshwater habitats and the species that depend on them. Our success in conserving the ecological value of these habitats will depend greatly on carefully planned conservation management integrated with efficient and reliable monitoring. Conservation Monitoring in Freshwater Habitats focuses on the need to develop clear, site-specific, conservation management goals; something rarely considered in previous publications on freshwater monitoring. The early chapters explore the use of biological indicators for monitoring and provide practical guidance for developing and implementing efficient and reliable monitoring projects. The remainder of the book is dedicated to a series of carefully selected case studies illustrating best practice in both decision-making and application across a range of habitats and species. This timely book will provide a valuable reference for students and researchers in biological and environmental sciences, and for practitioners working in government departments, conservation organisations and ecological consultancies. It will be an essential resource for anyone working towards fulfilling the requirements of both the Water Framework Directive and the EC Habitats Directive.

Over the past 50 years, changing management practices have led to large-scale habitat degradation and loss in Europe. Monitoring has an important role to play in restoring the conservation interest of these habitats, many of which have a history of cultural land use. This book highlights the need for effective communication between ecologists, conservationalists and land managers, and for well-informed conservation management decisions. Initially, it outlines the decision-making process involved in setting measurable conservation goals, and then describes how to develop efficient and reliable monitoring projects that feed back into management. The case study sites cover a variety of habitats and species, including several protected by Natura 2000 legislation, and conservation areas ranging from only a few hectares to many thousands of hectares. The same basic approach was used regardless of the habitat, species or size of area being monitored.