Sampling is relatively easy, requires few people and inexpensive gear, and has no detrimental effect on resident biota. Macroinvertebrates serve as a primary food source for many recreationally and commercially important fish. Many small streams which naturally support a diverse macroinvertebrate fauna, only support a limited fish fauna. Few published studies have characterized regional differences in other freshwater communities. Mussels and crustaceans, which may not be included in typical benthic macroinvertebrate samples, are diverse in Texas.
Many species are at risk of becoming rare or extinct.
More analysis of the regional variations in mussels is needed. TAEP found many habitat and chemical parameters exhibit geographical patterns. Canopy cover increases from west to east, corresponding to rainfall patterns. Highest phosphate levels are found along the Gulf Coast, while DO levels tend to be lowest in the eastern and coastal ecoregions. TSS and fecal coliforms show no apparent regional patterns.