The Rivers Trust, Rob Collins.
Abstract
This presentation highlights the goals, methods, and future opportunities for freshwater monitoring, emphasizing its importance in building evidence, addressing regulatory gaps, supporting advocacy, and driving action. It showcases the collaborative efforts of a network of 65 trusts across the UK and Ireland, integrating professional and citizen science data to monitor physico-chemical, biological, and chemical parameters. Success stories, such as community-driven microbial monitoring leading to inland bathing water site designations, underscore the impact of local data. The presentation advocates for harmonized citizen science methods and explores future integration opportunities, including shared data platforms, multi-stressor monitoring designs, and holistic funding approaches to enhance collaboration and societal impact.