Sampling protocols for the rapid bioassessment of streams and lakes using benthic macroinvertebrates, Second Edition

Abstract

Rapid bioassessment protocols have been developed as inexpensive screening tools to assess the biological health of the macroinvertebrate communities of streams and lakes. This report summarizes rapid bioassessment methods currently used by the Aquatic Science Section of the Ontario Ministry of the Environment. These protocols are being evaluated to ensure their general utility, accuracy and repeatability. In the future these simple methods may be used by the general public to establish whether a given stream or lake is healthy or degraded.