Abstract:
The Canadian Aquatic Biomonitoring Network (CABIN) is the national biomonitoring program
developed by Environment Canada that provides a standardized sampling protocol and a
recommended assessment approach, called the Reference Condition Approach (RCA), for
assessing aquatic ecosystem condition. CABIN provides the tools necessary to conduct
consistent, comparable, and scientifically credible biological assessments of streams.
This manual describes the nationally standardized CABIN field protocol for the collection of
benthic macroinvertebrate samples and associated stream information in wadeable streams and
littoral zones of large rivers.
This manual provides information on:
• when to sample
• the importance of safety first
• how to collect required non-field data before sampling
• how to collect a CABIN benthic macroinvertebrate sample and related water quality and
habitat data in the field
• what equipment is required to sample macroinvertebrates and water quality and collect
habitat data
Description:
This manual was developed by Environment Canada as a guide to the Canadian Aquatic
Biomonitoring Network (CABIN) wadeable streams protocol. We would like to acknowledge the
authors of previous CABIN sampling manuals, on which this manual is largely based. Trefor B.
Reynoldson, Craig Logan, Tim Pascoe and Sherri P. Thompson, Stephanie Strachan, Christie
Mackinlay, Heather McDermott, and Tara Paull. The April 2012 version was edited by Lesley
Carter and Sheena Pappas.
