Aquatic invertebrates have an important role in the ecological functioning of streams. They help break down organic matter such as woody debris which provide usable nutrients to other aquatic life. They also provide a source of food for fish and sometimes birds and amphibians or small mammals which live in the area.

Aquatic invertebrates are being more extensively used by researchers as a way to monitor stream health. This is because aquatic invertebrates display different tolerances to such factors as levels of pollution in the water. They are also sensitive to physical changes such as increases in siltation or water temperature. By measurig the presence, absence and abundance of different species, habitat problems can often be detected.

Inverterbrate monitoring is an on-going activity since 1997. The goal is to look at invertebrate populations for differentces depending on location, season, and to also look at yearly differences in populations. In the future, invertebrate sampling may also be used to monitor areas where periodic poor water quality has been noted.

If you would like to volunteer on our Invertebrates Working Group program please contact:
Stoney Creek Environment Committee Volunteer - Invertebrates Working Group

Les Leighton