Biomonitoring

Biomonitoring

Saugeen Conservation conducts a 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 water bottom dwelling insects such as crustaceans, worms, mollusks and insects in their larval phase.  They are good general indicators of water quality because they are sensitive to their environments.  Certain types of benthics can only thrive in good water, as they have a low tolerance to pollution.

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.

When SVCA staff  are out sampling, the type of conditions are in the water are noted, as some benthics prefer certain habitats.  If their habitat is not in the water source, the benthics would not likely take up residence there, regardless of the water quality.

Each site is sampled at three different locations, ensuring both calm and moving water as part of the standard sampling procedure.