Transboundary Waters. The need for separate classification based on the biological component of Class 2 water bodies will be re-assessed by the BMC. The Parties agree that biological monitoring is not dependent on a change in water quality and/or water quantity and will be considered separately for the following reasons: • Considering that biota are sensitive Indicators, biological monitoring can be used as an early warning that a change in the environment is occurring, which allows for an adaptive response; • Biota can be affected by factors other than the quality or quantity of water such as cumulative effects, climate change, and loss of habitat or habitat degradation which can affect access, cover, substrate and food; • The presence of exotic species cannot be detected through water quality or quantity monitoring; and • Contaminants can cause harm to aquatic life or pose a health hazard, such as to people eating fish well before contaminant concentrations in water indicate there is a problem.
