Benthic Macro-Invertebrate Sampling

Benthic macro-invertebrates have been used as an indicator of water quality, substrate composition and watershed health throughout northern California. In addition to physical and chemical water quality parameters, the abundance and diversity of macro-invertebrates indicate the level of impairment experienced in any stream as a result of land use. These results have a direct relationship on salmonids health since macro-invertebrates are the primary food source for young-of-the-year and also share some of the same habitat requirements. In addition, macro-invertebrate sampling can be conducted throughout a watershed, including class IIIs, and for point and non-point sources. TEPA has conducted bio-criteria monitoring under Pacific Coastal Salmon Recovery Fund (PCSRF) since FY00.
Proposal goals
Establish baseline bio-criteria aquatic stream health indices for all major tributaries and the Trinity River within the Hoopa Valley Indian Reservation. This information was used to evaluate the impacts of land management activities on benthic macro-invertebrate abundance.

Project will assess and establish baseline conditions for bio-criteria and overall stream health for 7 major tributaries and the Trinity River of the Hoopa Valley Tribe. Baseline conditions can be used to evaluate potential and actual impacts to salmon from land management activities.