The waters in the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs area vary in size, and include sixteen main lochs and one lake. Their historical importance and current management, and their long term capacity to sustain a hgh water quality all vary, as do the uses to which each of the waters is put. The management issues outlined here all recognise the diverse pressures on the system, and the need for concerted action to preserve high water quality in the area.