The Government agrees with this recommendation. We know that our historic target to halt the decline in species by 2030 will not be achieved without action to improve water quality and abundance in water-dependent natural habitats. Rivers, lakes, ponds, wetland, coastal habitats and the sea form natural corridors and stepping stones for wildlife that intersect and connect many landscapes. Improving water quality is also vital for restoring many of our protected sites, which are the jewels in the crown for British nature, and for improving biodiversity generally. As set out in our consultation on the targets under the Environment Act, we expect several freshwater species to be included in the species abundance indicator which will directly track our progress in halting the decline in species in our environment.