Description:

• Determine the presence of macroinvertebrates in streams and stream beds, using these organisms as bioindicators for the health of the stream
• Compare the quality of different streams
• Useful in analyzing stream restoration success

Equipment needed:

• Field book
• Map of riparian area to be monitored
• Trimble GPS unit
• Digital camera that as been calibrated with GPS (see Calibrating your Digital Camera with your Trimble GPS Unit)
• Surber Stream Bottom Sampler
• Plastic tub
• Rock scrubber
• Forceps
• Trowel
• Squirt bottle
• Plastic beaker
• Jar of ethanol
• Rubber boots

What to photograph:

• Stream sampling site(s)
• Surrounding riparian area

When to photograph:

• Depends on the parameters of your objective
• Could be before and after a riparian restoration project
• Could be during different seasons to monitor year-long changes
• Could be after a human impact (i.e. sewage leak, etc) to monitor effects

Procedure:

1.     Select areas in the stream in which to sample

Note: It is best to sample in riffle habitats – shallow, rocky areas with swift current. Select a riffle that is deeper than the frame of the Surber sampler.

2.     Photograph site

3.     Position the Surber sampler on the stream bottom with its mouth facing upstream (to catch any organisms flowing downstream in the net)

4.     Photograph sampling spot at a predetermined height above the water

                 Note: This is more to accurately determine your GPS position, but documentation of the stream is always useful

5.     Remove all rocks from the sampler frame and place in the plastic tub filled with a small amount of water

6.     Remove all material from the rocks using the scrubber and forceps, collecting all organisms removed in the water

7.     Stir the substrate 4-6 inches deep in the Surber sampler frame for two minutes in order to catch any sediment-dwelling organisms in the net

8.     Remove the sampler from the stream and carefully wash all organisms down to the collecting end of the net

9.     Collect all organisms in ethanol container.

10. Back in lab, identify the macroinvertebrates for abundance and diversity.