Identify aquatic insects and animals that live in the stream or river. Learn about the water quality based on the type of macroinvertebrates collected. Safely return the collected critters to the water. Best times are fall or spring. Waterways are filled with life, from tiny insects to fish that dart between the rocks.
Many aquatic insects are sensitive to environmental changes in streams and rivers.
This is because many aquatic insects life in the water for more than a year as they develop. Because of this life cycle, scientists have developed methods of determining water quality that are based on the number of pollution sensitive insects and animals found in a section of streams or rivers. Critters As Water Quality Indicators Different animals have different tolerances to pollution. The macroinvertebrate tally sheet separates insects into 4 different groups based on their sensitivity to pollution. These critters are very sensitive to water pollution.