PROCEDURE

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1. Pick a spot in your location and set up the equipment by making sure that the D-nets are the correct length, emptying the tray and adding water to it, and being prepared to collect the macroinvertebrates.

2. Check the temperature of the water by using a thermometer. Make sure that you are collecting the temperature in degrees Celsius. Write the temperature on the data sheet.

3. Collect macroinvertebrates by dipping your D-net into the water 5 times, making sure to scoop vigorously and sway the nets against the ground of the water. If the water is so deep that you are unable to touch the bottom of the water, then you should lengthen the D-net. Make sure that you are collecting the macroinvertebrates from shallow vegetated areas, and try to avoid skimming the surface of the water. You can also lower the D-net enough to reach the bottom of the water and collect macroinvertebrates there. If the water is too shallow, use strainers instead of D-nets. Each time you dip the D-net into the water, be sure to empty out the contents that are in the D-net by turning the net inside out and dipping it into the water tray so that the macroinvertebrates can fall out.

4. Separate the macroinvertebrates that are in the tray by using a pipette(s) or tweezers to pick up the macroinvertebrates. Separate different types/species of macroinvertebrates into different slots of an ice cube tray.

5. On a data sheet, write down the type/species of macroinvertebrates found (different things you find on different rows) and use tally marks in order to count the number of macroinvertebrates that you found. Also be sure to fill the time, temperature, and field number on the data sheet.

6. Then, put water into a petri dish and place one of each of the different specimens into that same petri dish. Place the petri dish with the specimen in it on a white laminated sheet with a ruler. Write the field number on the laminated sheet with a marker, and take detailed pictures of the macroinvertebrates using the camera on the tablet (not Epicollect).

7. Now, open the Epicollect app. Everything following this step is in epicollect.

8. In Epicollect, write the field number of the location, ex. M225.

9. Then you press the button, set location, keep pressing until accuracy is 4m.

10. Next, enter the water temperature, and make sure it is in celsius.

11. After, enter group’s initials.

12. Enter the date and time.

13. Next, upload photos from camera roll for the required photo of macroinvertebrates.

14. Then, take a picture of location.

15. Have any additional photos and save entry.

16. Move on to the next location and redo the procedure.