WFD Cycle 2 TraC: Angiosperm Classification for Transitional and Coastal Waters

A retired dataset containing classification data for the Angiosperm biological element in transitional and coastal water bodies for Water Framework Directive (WFD) purposes. It was produced by the Environment Agency using separate assessment tools for seagrass and saltmarsh to calculate Ecological Quality Ratios (EQRs). The dataset has been superseded by a newer record as of July 2026.

Use Cases

• Classifying water body ecological status (High, Good, Moderate, Poor, Bad) based on Angiosperm EQR scores.
• Assessing the composition and abundance of seagrass and saltmarsh communities in transitional and coastal zones.
• Comparing observed biological metrics against reference conditions for pristine water bodies.
• Supporting regulatory reporting and compliance for the Water Framework Directive.

Strengths

• Classification data is based on defined assessment tools for seagrass and saltmarsh.
• Data is attributed to the authoritative Environment Agency, a UK government body.

Limitations

• The dataset is retired and superseded by a newer version, indicating it is not the current reference.
• Row count, column definitions, and file formats are unknown, limiting suitability assessment.
• Description metadata is limited; actual data quality requires manual inspection after download.

Provenance

Source

Environment Agency

Collection Method

Likely contains data from separate assessment tools for seagrass and saltmarsh measuring metrics of composition and abundance.

Freshness

Last updated 2026-07-17 15:08:45.416935; freshness should be verified as the record is retired.

Geography

Transitional and coastal water bodies, likely within the UK.