SCPN Aquatic Macroinvertebrate Monitoring Protocol
Stumpf S. SCPN Aquatic Macroinvertebrate Monitoring Protocol. 2007. National Park Service
Aquatic macroinvertebrates are small organisms that lack a vertebral column/backbone and live all or part of their lives in water. They are found in freshwater ecosystems around the world and include insect larvae, worms, and snails. They play a key role in the cycling of nutrients in aquatic systems because they perform multiple roles in the ecosystem: - as primary consumers that process live organic material (e.g. algae, aquatic vegetation) - as detritivores that feed on and break down dead organic material (e.g. leaves, woody debris) - as predators that feed on other invertebrates - as prey for fish, amphibians, reptiles, aquatic birds and mammals Aquatic and riparian habitats are among the most threatened ecosystems worldwide. Pollution, development, logging, grazing, water withdrawal, and climate change are just some of the threats they face. Because aquatic macroinvertebrates are found in all aquatic ecosystems, and because they are sensitive to environmental change, they are important indicators of aquatic ecosystem health. We monitor aquatic macroinvertebrates to detect changes in aquatic systems due to chemical, physical, and biological disturbances. In addition, long-term monitoring of aquatic macroinvertebrates complements water quality monitoring. Together, they provide a more comprehensive evaluation of aquatic system health.
- Type
- Project
- Authors
- Stumpf, Stacy
- Publisher
- National Park Service
- Units
- BAND , GRCA , MEVE
- Keywords
- Aquatic Macroinvertebrates, Monitoring, SCPN
- Subjects
- Ecological Framework: Water | Water Quality | Aquatic Macroinvertebrates and Algae