ESIL ECOLOGICAL SURVEY OF ICELANDIC LAKES: A STANDARDIZED DATABASE Aim of project To build up a database with standardized ecological information on main types of Icelandic lakes. The database will include information on biology, limnology and hydrogeology of lakes. A database with standardized ecological information on Icelandic lakes is a prerequisite for rational utilization and conservation of Icelandic lakes and freshwater resources. Applied use includes advice in environmental impact assessment, aquaculture (e.g. selection of stocks), advice in fisheries (e.g. selection of gear, level of exploitation), advice for conservation of freshwater lakes, animals and plants, and a source for teaching at various school levels. The database is a source and reference material for scientific research in the future. A nation-wide database with ecological information will enhance scientific studies in the field of ecological pattern-analysis and other work of comparative-approach, e.g. questions pertaining to effects of environmental factors on the evolution and adaptation of freshwater organisms. The database is to serve as a platform for ecological monitoring of 5-10 lakes, where key biotic and abiotic factors will be monitored 1-3 times a year at an interval of 1-3 years. Detailed information about the ESIL project: ESIL publications: