REPS Invertebrate Taxonomy (Kicknets)

As long-lived, ubiquitous aquatic consumers of both primary producers and other invertebrates, macroinvertebrates are a useful indicator of health in aquatic systems. Benthic invertebrate monitoring of tributaries of the Athabasca River provides a seasonal benchmark for the composition of invertebrate communities over the open water season of 2012 (May, June, July, August, October) and 2013 (DATES TBC) that can be compared to other invertebrate sampling methods to compare efficacy. Invertebrates were sampled with a standard 3 minute kicknet according to CABIN standards. Sample sites are on a gradient moving closer in proximity to industry to delineate effects of natural and anthropogenic contaminants. In this data set, communities are identified to the taxonomic resolution of genus/species.