Aspects of monitoring in river basin management

To implement any management decisions an organization must exist which provides the basis for collective and coordinated action. The structure of this action forcing organization must include a system for deciding the merits of actions and the development or enforcement of regulations, or other control measures. The design, implementation and maintenance of monitoring programs to meet agency requirements must be tempered with an understanding of the importance of generating data which provides the opportunity for the development of comprehensive, basin wide, management programs. A general review of physical, chemical, and biological monitoring is provided. Several monitoring approaches particularly relevant to river basin management are highlighted. Some of these approaches are proven, some have been applied but remain unproven, and some are speculative.