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Aquatic Classification

There are a number of significant environmental problems caused by a number of pressures, including diffuse and point source pollution, alterations to beds, banks and shores, alterations to water levels and flows and the presence of invasive non-native species. In order to measure these pressures and their potential effects, we use an aquatic classification system which covers rivers, lochs, estuaries, coastal and groundwater bodies. These are split into management units called water bodies, with a classification produced for each body (the number of water bodies between years varies slightly, as some water body boundaries are reviewed to ensure that they can be managed appropriately).

There are a number of significant environmental problems caused by a number of pressures, including diffuse and point source pollution, alterations to beds, banks and shores, alterations to water levels and flows and the presence of invasive non-native species. In order to measure these pressures and their potential effects, we use an aquatic classification system which covers rivers, lochs, estuaries, coastal and groundwater bodies. These are split into management units called water bodies, with a classification produced for each body (the number of water bodies between years varies slightly, as some water body boundaries are reviewed to ensure that they can be managed appropriately). We produce an annual Water Framework Directive (WFD) Classification for all the water bodies in Scotland. Classification results for 2007 to the current year can be found on the Water Classification Hub. Read the State of Scotland's Water Environment 2024 summary report (MS Word, 1.17 MB). Most of our water environment is already in a good condition and subject to fewer pressures than most other E

What we don't do

SEPA often receives environmental event notifications for issues for which are the statutory responsibility of other organisations. To help you get to the right place quickly the table below provides a quick guide to a number of issues, together with how you can contact the right organisation. Responsibilities by topic Responsibilities Organisations Abandoned vehicles Your local authority Y

Developing our flooding knowledge

We are continually working to develop and improve our knowledge on flood risk and flooding impacts and to identify new technologies to better support our flooding work.

We are continually working to develop and improve our knowledge on flood risk and flooding impacts and to identify new technologies to better support our flooding work. As the strategic flood risk management authority in Scotland we are continually working to develop and improve our knowledge of the sources and impacts of flooding. We have developed a knowledge base of methods, guidance and summaries that may be useful to responsible authorities, academic projects and consultants delivering flood risk management projects, which can be accessed below. National Flo

Alloa monitoring buoy, Firth of Forth

Continuous monitoring equipment has been deployed from a buoy in the upper Forth estuary near South Alloa since 1988 to monitor dissolved oxygen, salinity, temperature and turbidity. Dissolved oxygen is consumed by the decomposition of organic matter. Organic matter in the upper Forth estuary originates from discharges of organic waste and organic rich sediments mixed into the water column as a re

Water

Scotland's water is famed worldwide. It's critical in the production and branding of some of our biggest exports, and a big draw for tourists. The water environment in Scotland is generally in good condition. However, there are environmental problems, including diffuse pollution, discharges of waste water, abstractions and historic physical alterations. The management of water plays a significant

River Basin Management Planning

An introduction to our river basin planning work.

An introduction to our river basin planning work. River basin management planning (RBMP) protects and improves Scotland’s water environment for the benefit of people, wildlife and the economy. Much of the water environment in Scotland is in good condition. However, there are still significant problems affecting water quality, physical condition, water resources, and the migration of wild fish. The River Basin Management Plans for Scotland set ou

Actions to deliver RBMP

Information regarding the actions we are taking to protect and improve Scotland's water environment.

Information regarding the actions we are taking to protect and improve Scotland's water environment. Delivering the aims of RBMP requires partnership working with public bodies, industry and land managers to secure multiple benefits for the environment, economy and society. See Who’s involved in RBMP River basin planning is working to support Scotland's Environment Strategy aims to create a net zero, circular economy that reduces the global impact of our consumption. It is embedded in Our Approac

Protected areas

Information regarding water bodies designated as protected areas.

Information regarding water bodies designated as protected areas. A significant number of the water bodies in Scotland are designated as protected areas. This is because of their importance for special purposes such as wildlife conservation, drinking water supply, shellfish harvesting or bathing. These designated areas are vital to ensure that the diverse ecosystems and cultural and economic benefits contained within them are safeguarded. Protected areas are als

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