Setting new thermal standards for transitional and coastal (TraC) waters

► The paper is a response to their being no previously accepted thermal standards for discharges to estuaries and coastal waters. ► We review the nature of discharges and hydrographic conditions related to the discharges in estuaries and coastal waters. ► We review the thermal requirement of key biota including fish. ► We make specific recommendations for standards which will protect key species and habitats.