CATCHMENT MANAGEMENT PLANNING IN THE NATIONAL RIVERS AUTHORITY

The National Rivers Authority of England and Wales is a non-departmental governmental regulatory body with a range of responsibilities for the water environment. These include pollution control, water quality improvement, flood defence, water resource management, fisheries management, conservation of the natural water environment, promotion of water based recreation and also navigation in some locations. Arising from the multiple use of river systems, their interactions and use requirements, the concept of Catchment Management Planning has been developed. Each river use should have an assigned objective and standard determined in respect of water quality, water quantity and river topography. Catchment Management Plans are prepared in consultation with interested parties. A review of some European river management suggests the size of some rivers and the responsibilities of relevant organisations exacerbates comprehensive and integrated river management.