Macroinvertebrates may be small and just large enough to see with the naked eye, but they can tell us a lot about the health of our streams! These aquatic insects and animals without backbones, live among rocks, leaves, and sediment on the bottom of our waterways.
Macroinvertebrates are extremely important to our watersheds. Not only do they serve as a primary food source for fish, amphibians, and water birds, but they are also a great indicator for water quality. Macroinvertebrates have different tolerances when it comes to changes in water quality, because of this many scientists and environmentalists look at the diversity and type of macroinvertebrates within the stream or river. If there is a high variety of pollution-sensitive species, it usually indicates a healthy and clean waterway.
For Partners for Clean Streams, monitoring macroinvertebrates is one way we can better understand our waterways and identify areas that need attention. Every tiny creature we find can help tell the larger story of a healthy stream.
Keep an eye out for the little things that make a big difference!