By sampling aquatic invertebrates we can assess the existing community and help in identifying the presence of protected or invasive species. Repeated sampling of the same location during different time of the year (optimal seasons are spring and autumn) can reveal if there is something else occurring to affect aquatic invertebrate community. We can then refer to past records from that area and see how the community changes over time.
It takes less than 5 minutes to take a sample!
Bank sorting or laboratory analysis?
With only three minute kick and one minute of a manual search you can get an invertebrate sample! This method is most suitable for sampling in shallow streams and rivers. It involves disturbing the substrate with your foot and with the help of the current the dislodged animals flow into your net.
It’s Autumn Sampling Season!
Bank sorting can provide a quick snap shot of invertebrate community present, where you can identify some of your animals to species level with a naked eye. This is usually done by emptying your net into white trays with water and identification using field guides. It is though, far less effective than laboratory analysis where the invertebrates are identified by their morphological features using dichotomous keys. To provide robust data with longer list of species the laboratory analysis is undeniably preferable. At our consultancy, we follow the environmental regulators protocols in sampling and identification of the invertebrate samples.
We are in the middle of optimal autumn sampling that finishes by end of November. In winter it is more difficult and unsafe to sample and it is not advisable to do so. It’s best to come back to your waterbody in March. Before you head out though, remember to follow health and safety rules and check the river levels at https://riverlevels.uk/
