Assessing remotely sensed chlorophyll-a for the implementation of the Water Framework Directive in European perialpine lakes

► 200 satellite images in the period 2003-09 reveal chlorophyll-a in perialpine lakes. ► Chlorophyll-a variability is higher in spring and autumn and in more eutrophic lakes. ► Satellite data time series support the WFD for monitoring the status of lake waters.