Benthic Sampling

Last data update: August 27, 2017 Benthic invertebrate collection sites are selected throughout the watershed. Some sites are only sampled at one point in time for subwatershed planning purposes and other are sampled on a yearly basis for long term trend analysis. All samples are taken using the Ontario Benthic Biomonitoring Network (OBBN) protocol. Invertebrates are identified and the data is analyzed using the Hilsenhoff Biotic Index (HBI). Sites are categorized using the HBI into the following 7 categories: Excellent, Very Good, Good, Fair, Fairly Poor, Poor and Very Poor. For this detailed information please contact Aquatic Ecologist, Rob Wilson [e-mail]