Biomonitoring

Saugeen Conservation has an in-depth biological monitoring program, the goal of which, is to assess aquatic ecosystems using 'benthic macroinvertebrates' or aquatic organisms as indicators of water quality.

What are benthic macroinvertebrates?

Benthic macroinvertebrates are large, bottom dwelling insects such as crustaceans, worms, mollusks and related organisms that live in the water. They are good indicators of water quality as they respond to changes in water quality (e.g., water pollution), after a relatively short exposure.

Sampling of macroinvertebrates is being conducted using the Ontario Benthos Biomonitoring Network (OBBN) protocol, which is an environmental tool designed to use benthic (bottom-dwelling) organisms as indicators of stream health.

SVCA currently identifies specimens to the “Family” taxonomic level. The data gathered helps identify conditions of the stream. By tracking these sites long-term, we can later determine the conditions of various watersheds and sub-watersheds and detect changes like declines or increases in the water quality.