Table 5 Geomorphic principles to assess river condition (Truth 3)

Think holistically at the ecosystem scale, recognising that there are too many species to save them one at a time. The weakest link in the chain—the least effectively functioning attribute—determines the viability of life cycles and the performance of the system as a whole. A healthy river is more than a collection of parts

Identify and address causes of deterioration, not merely their symptoms (e.g., bed before banks)

Compare like-with-like, carefully considering what to measure against. What is expected in process terms reflects the capacity for adjustment and the expected range of variability for the type of river under consideration

Tailor applications to the type of river, measuring the right things in the right places in the right way at the right time. Use geoindicators that give a reliable and relevant signal of condition for the type of river

Determine whether each reach is in a good, moderate or poor condition relative to expected, explaining underlying causes of deterioration so that structural or process attributes can be addressed to improve river condition