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Macroinvertebrate Monitoring
 In
every body of water there lives a multitude of organisms, from microscopic
bacteria to vertebrates such as fish. In between are the macroinvertebrates.
Healthy waters teem with varieties of these organisms, but when degradation
occurs their living communities change in predictable and measurable ways.
This makes monitoring macroinvertebrates a sensitive test of stream condition
through time.
How
is a survey conducted? Using a VA SOS seine net, monitors capture samples
from a section of stream. The catch is then sorted by type into trays,
counted, and using a calculator (and the standardized forms provided),
percentages are arrived at giving an estimate of the numbers and distribution
of macroinvertebrates inhabiting the stream.
Our method was studied and
refined through a
study at Virginia Tech. Our refined methodology (the VA SOS
Monitoring Method) correlates highly (97%) with results from professional
monitoring methods.
Data
collected can be sent to SOS via snail mail or by accessing our web site's
data entry page. We compile this information
into one central database, making it much easier for state agencies, Soil
and Water Conservation Districts, and others to access.
Ideally, we conduct macroinvertebrate monitoring
4 times a year; every 3 months. Conditions such as heavy rain or bitter
cold can effect when we carry out our monitoring.
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