ABSTRACT
The use of indicators should be integrated in the management mechanism for the sustainable use of freshwater ecosystems and their resources. The idea is basically that the indicators summarize quantitatively the information about possible problems, for instance, for freshwater ecosystems: eutrophication, acidification, declining water level, toxic substances, endangered species, biodiversity, and the general conditions of the focal ecosystem. The ecological indicators applied in different context, for different ecosystems, and for different problems can be classified on several levels from the most reductionistic to the most holistic indicators. Ecological indicators were introduced in the environmental management to take “the temperature and pulse” on ecosystems. The ecological indicators applied today in different context, for different ecosystems, and for different problems can be classified on several levels from the most reductionistic to the most holistic indicators.
