Macrophytes in the Veleka River, Bulgaria: Species Diversity and Assessment of the Ecological Status

Thirty-seven aquatic macrophyte species from three taxonomic groups (pteridophytes, bryophytes, spermatophytes) were registered at four sites along Veleka River in the period 2009-2020. Hydrophytes and bryophytes dominated macrophyte assemblages. Macrophyte-based assessment resulted in good and high ecological status. Based on the results it was suggested the lower Veleka River to be regularly studied in order to maintain its good ecological status and to monitor the highly invasive Elodea canadensis and Elodea nuttallii.