This dataset contains monitoring data for benthic invertebrate communities along the Firth River Corridor. The raw data in this dataset is used to calculate benthic invertebrate richness and the percentage of Ephemeroptera (mayflies), Plecoptera (stoneflies), and Trichoptera (caddisflies) (EPT) species (some of the most important species that indicate a healthy system). The data is collected annually in mid-July at pre-determined sites along the Firth River. Full benthic invertebrate sampling and habitat assessments are completed in accordance with CABIN protocols.
Water quality is a widely used measure for assessing and monitoring the condition of freshwater ecosystems. Chemical and physical water quality monitoring can be enhanced by using the presence or health of organisms (biota) living at a site as an indication of ecosystem condition. The priority is to gather baseline data, to monitor any changes in benthic invertebrate communities over time, and to correlate any changes in the community to water quality and water flow river discharge.