Biological Integrity

Additional Information

• Benthic Macroinvertebrates

  This resource is designed to provide a better understanding of the wide vareity of aquatic invertebrates found in our rivers, streams and wetlands. In addition to images, general information is included about the distinguishing features of the aquatic stage that aid in identification, and a scale for the organisms feeding group, tolerance, size range and habitat. Larval and adult images are also provided for many families.

• Point Scale

  Point scale for each metric.

• Level-One Survey Data Sheet

  Level-One survey data sheet example with stream scoring.

• Advanced Biological Integrity Metrics

  After the counting, sorting and identifications is complete the benthic macroinvertebrate collections are assessed using six metrics. An overall stream score is determined using reference formulas or point system.

• Spreadsheets for Calculation

  It is very important to correctly assess the data that you collect in order to interpret the results. To be consistent you must maintain a certain level of precision and accuracy in the field and use standard methods when performing all protocols. This will result in comparable data and enable you to monitor trends over time. To aid in the interpretation of stream survey data, WV Save Our Streams provides a variety of spreadsheets that simplify the metric calculations and evaluations. Most of the resources below are Excel spreadsheets but there are also some on-line tools and appelets.