EnvCanada-AWQMSD: CABIN 2012 (Inverts): Benthic macroinvertebrates collection method
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Official Method Name
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Canadian Aquatic Biomonitoring Network: Wadeable Streams Field Manual |
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Current Revision
| 2012 |
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Media
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WATER (Waterbody type - Wadeable stream) |
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Instrumentation
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Invertebrate Net (w/ handle) |
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Method Subcategory
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Population/Community |
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Method Source
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Citation
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Protocol
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CABIN 2012 - Environment Canada, 2012, Canadian Aquatic Biomonitoring Network: Field Manual for Wadeable Streams 2012, En84-87/2012E-PDF |
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Brief Method Summary
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The CABIN protocol invert method uses a traveling kick net sampling method standardized by sampling effort (i.e. time). The kick net is a triangular metal frame holding a bag with mesh size of 400 microns (μm) (recommended mesh size for general sampling). A collection cup (detachable) can be connected to the end of the net to facilitate removal of the sample. At the open end of the net, a rake handle is connected to one end of the metal frame. The part of the bag that attaches to the frame is made of canvas or ripstop-plastic tarpaulin to withstand abrasion.
CABIN invert samples are collected with a kick net over a period of exactly three minutes to standardize the level of effort. Use of a zigzag sampling pattern across the stream integrates benthic macroinvertebrates from various stream microhabitats within the erosional zone (for example, areas around large boulders, riffle, runs, bank overhang) in proportion to their occurrence in a sample reach. Sampling must also include stream habitats directly adjacent to the stream bank as this region may have aquatic macrophytes that support a unique fauna. The standard level of effort and integrated samples are important for comparison among sites, where benthic macroinvertebrate samples are collected from a variety of stream sizes. |
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Scope and Application
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The Canadian Aquatic Biomonitoring Network (CABIN) is the national biomonitoring program developed by Environment Canada that provides a standardized sampling protocol and a recommended assessment approach, called the Reference Condition Approach (RCA), for assessing aquatic ecosystem condition. CABIN provides the tools necessary to conduct consistent, comparable, and scientifically credible biological assessments of streams.
This manual describes the nationally standardized CABIN field protocol for the collection of benthic macroinvertebrate samples and associated stream information in wadeable streams and littoral zones of large rivers. This manual provides information on:
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Applicable Concentration Range
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Interferences
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Quality Control Requirements
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NOTE: The optimal sampling season may vary depending on location and the hydrograph of the watershed. Contact the regional CABIN lead for the appropriate sampling time for the basin of interest. |
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Sample Handling
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To ensure data comparability, samples must be collected in the same season. Typically, CABIN sampling is done in the late summer or fall. The late summer and fall sampling season is chosen for several reasons: 1. Most taxa in the benthic community are in an aquatic life stage at that time of year. 2. Many taxa are at a stage in their life cycle that is advanced enough to be identified to levels of taxonomic resolution that are required by CABIN. 3. Flow conditions are usually low during this time therefore sampling is safest. 4. The low water levels mean that the substrate below the wetted stream channel is stable habitat and not the result of a peak flow rates that create ephemeral aquatic habitats in areas that become stream banks during low flow periods. |
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Maximum Holding Time
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Benthic macroinvertebrate samples are best preserved in the field using 10% buffered Formalin at a ratio of 1:3. Field preservation is necessary to prevent degradation; if samples cannot be fixed in the field, samples must be immediately preserved in the laboratory. |
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Relative Cost
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Unknown |
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Sample Preparation Methods
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