The intent of the Integrated Ecosystem Condition Assessment (IECA) Framework is to provide a methodology for development of aquatic asset-based condition assessments that are capable of incorporating different connected aquatic ecosystem types (e.g. rivers, floodplains, lakes, marshes and estuaries), and the key ecosystem functions that support them. It aims to allow transparent comparisons of the condition of diverse aquatic ecosystems with different values and management objectives. The Framework builds on current approaches to broad-scale and asset-based condition assessments based on the functional processes and ecological characteristics (e.g. components and processes) that underpin the aquatic asset’s key ecological values, and scopes new ground by taking into account connectivity, resilience, natural variability and where appropriate, threats and pressures. The Framework allows for condition to be evaluated and reported in relation to risks, thresholds and management actions to aid adaptive management. As such a key step is to relate ecosystem condition to identified values of the nominated aquatic ecosystem.

IECA has the challenge of addressing a water manager’s capacity to identify and prioritise the threats and impediments which cause decline or prevent recovery. The Framework will assist in identifying critical knowledge gaps and in prioritising management actions and research needs. It aims to provide a systematic, cost-effective and repeatable process that can fit into existing Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting Frameworks. IECA is explicitly a value-based assessment and this has challenges from a science perspective.