Monitoring Aquatic Macroinvertebrates (SCPN)

Aquatic macroinvertebrates, such as insect larvae, snails, and worms, play a vital role in stream ecosystems, both as a food source and as consumers of algae and other organic matter. Because macroinvertebrates are sensitive to environmental change, monitoring them can help us to detect chemical, physical, and biological impacts to aquatic ecosystems. Long-term macroinvertebrate monitoring will complement water quality assessment methods, thus providing a more complete evaluation of overall stream health. Because the four states represented within Southern Colorado Plateau Network (SCPN) parks (AZ, CO, NM, UT) all use macroinvertebrates as part of their water quality monitoring programs, SCPN monitoring efforts will also contribute to a broader regional understanding of aquatic conditions.