MI DEQ Surface Water: MI DEQ #51 Invert collection: Invertebrate Qualitative Survey Protocols for Wadable Streams and Rivers in Michigan
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Official Method Name
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Great Lakes and Environmental Assessment Section, Procedure 51; Qualitative Biological and Habitat Survey Protocols for Wadable Streams and Rivers |
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Current Revision
| 2002 |
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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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Brief Method Summary
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The sampling effort or time expended at each station should be sufficient to assure that taxa present are sampled in proportion to their occurrence in the stream reach chosen. Macroinvertebrate samples should be taken from all available habitats within the sample reach using a triangular dip net with a 1mm mesh or by hand picking. Samples should be taken from high velocity and low velocity areas with preference given to gravel, cobble, and boulder substrates. Samples should be combined into a single composite and rinsed through a 1mm screen before being placed into an enamel or plastic counting pan. |
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Scope and Application
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The development of these biological and habitat survey protocols was a result of the increasing demand for a more vigorous and standardized evaluation of nonpoint source impacts. The origins of nonpoint effects often extend throughout an entire watershed basin. Such basin-wide effects prevent the traditional upstream/downstream comparisons from providing a true picture of the extent of stream impariment. Methods, therefore, need to be more sensitive and reproducible to consistently detect the changes in the biotic communities caused by possible widespread nonpoint source effects and yet still be applicable to the many differing aquatic systems found throughout Michigan. The application of these biological survey protocols will provide a more accurate and precise database on biological conditions and trends statewide. These protocols only address qualitative methods for wadeable streams. |
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Applicable Concentration Range
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N/A |
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Interferences
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None provided |
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Quality Control Requirements
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Training, standard procedures; The data developed during the benthic collection efforts is directly comparable to data developed at other sites because: 1) all habitats are sampled at each site, and 2) a uniform method is used for benthic data acqusition. To ensure reproducible data, well characterized sites are periodically resampled by a variety of investigators. |
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Sample Handling
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None provided |
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Maximum Holding Time
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N/A |
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Relative Cost
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3 - 6 hrs. per site/sample |
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Sample Preparation Methods
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Removal of organic/inorganic debris. |
