Ribbons of Blue groups collect data on a wide variety of biological, physical and chemical parameters. Groups most commonly monitor temperature, turbidity, conductivity, pH, macroinvertebrates, phosphate, nitrate and dissolved oxygen. Some groups may decide to focus their efforts on one particular parameter. For example, if a group has concerns regarding algal blooms at their site then they would concentrate on monitoring phosphates and nitrates.
Groups design monitoring programs for a variety of reasons.
A school group may design a program that is primarily for education and awareness purposes, whilst a community group may wish to monitor to assess environmental impacts on their site. Regional Coordinators will assist you in implementing a monitoring program. The aquactic environment is complex and there will always be variation between the actual and measured value. This is what is termed sampling error. Such a plan ensures that your data collected meets a defined level of quality with a known confidence level.