Abstract

In this study the state of the environment of the Loosdrecht Lakes has been investigated by means of a new method for environmental quality assessment. A vital part of this method is a presentation technique called "AMOEBE". The state of the environment of the Loosdrecht Lakes has been described by means of 32 parameters, including both biotic and abiotic ones. A period from 1930 until 1955 has been used as a frame of reference. By means of an "AMOEBE" a comparison has been made between the actual and the desired state of the environment. General conclusion is that the environmental quality of the Loosdrecht Lakes is bad with respect to the main functions "nature" and "recreation", and with respect to the level of "Specific Environmental Quality" (SEQ: BMK in Dutch) that is required.