Stream biomonitoring using macroinvertebrates around the globe: a comparison of large-scale programs

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Ecology
• Water Resource Management

Background:

• Interpreting water quality data is challenging due to varied sampling protocols.
• Standardized methodologies are increasingly adopted by water quality agencies and scientists.
• Global comparisons require consistent data collection and processing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare 13 stream biomonitoring protocols from diverse global regions.
• To identify commonalities and differences in sampling methodologies.
• To provide recommendations for developing global and regional monitoring programs.

Main Methods:

• Comparative analysis of 13 stream biomonitoring protocols.
• Assessment of sampling structure, sampler type, mesh size, sampling period, subsampling methods, and taxonomic resolution.
• Discussion of current trends and future recommendations for monitoring programs.

Main Results:

• Many aspects of bioassessment structure and protocols show similarities across diverse countries.
• Key commonalities include sampler type, mesh size, sampling period, subsampling methods, and taxonomic resolution.
• Consistent field and laboratory methods are essential for merging datasets and enabling large-scale comparisons.

Conclusions:

• Standardized stream biomonitoring methods are vital for international data sharing and interpretation, especially with global challenges like climate change.
• Further performance evaluation is needed for aspects like habitat sampling, effort levels, and indicator standardization.
• Developing universally consistent data collection and processing aids large-scale trend analysis and supports regions lacking established protocols.