Technical Report for Oil Sands: Core Biodiversity Monitoring - Benthic Macroinvertebrates - Sample and Data Summary Report: 2011-2024

Benthic macroinvertebrates (BMI) are key components of riverine food webs, are comprised of insects, crustaceans, molluscs and worms, and exist in intricate communities of individuals called “assemblages”. By sampling BMI along with water and sediment chemistry, habitat measurements, and other environmental variables the core Oil Sands Monitoring (OSM) Benthic Macroinvertebrate Monitoring Program objectives include determining if changes in BMI communities are occurring, if there are linkages with oil sands development, and the extent of cumulative effects along the river course. This report is provided as a summary of the data and sampling that has occurred under the OSM benthic monitoring program since the initial sampling in 2011. The intent is to update the data summary tables in this report on an annual basis as tool for various stakeholders of the program as a succinct and accessible introduction to the BMI sampling regime. The report provides a detailed summary of how, where and when sampling has occurred. Although the Introduction and Study Design sections describe the objectives and the study design in a general context, there is no analysis or interpretation included herein. Sampling methods are briefly described with links to Standard Operating Protocols. Data characteristics, processes and timelines are described and links to data available online are provided.