The Use of Macroinvertebrates in Water Management

March 1999, Ref. ME311

Aquatic macroinvertebrates include insects, snails and worms that live on the beds of rivers. They play a key role in the structure and function of river ecosystems, as they eat algae and leaf matter, and provide food for fish and birds. They can be good indicators of the life-supporting capacity of ecosystems in streams and rivers. This discussion paper examines the use of macroinvertebrates for monitoring water quality and stream ecosystem health in New Zealand and makes recommendations for their further and better use.

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Executive summary
Introduction
Structure and function of stream ecosystems
Current use of macroinvertebrates as environmental indicators in New Zealand
Using macroinvertebrates as environmental indicators in New Zealand
Using macroinvertebrates for monitoring
The problem of lowland rivers and other soft-bottomed streams
Predictive ecosystem monitoring for New Zealand: should we be considering a "RIVPACS-type" approach?
Sampling and data analysis issues
Implications of recommendations: an overview
Summary of principal recommendations

Appendices

From water quality to aquatic ecosystems: meeting the requirements of the Resource Management Act - R J Miller, R M Berry
Macroinvertebrate monitoring: Lowland streams and other non-shingle river ecotypes - Russell Death, Hamish McWilliam, Maurice Rodway
Biotic indices: Their role in water management in New Zealand - John D Stark
Macroinvertebrate monitoring: Alternative methods - I K G Boothroyd
Macroinvertebrate monitoring: Data collection and storage - I K G Boothroyd, E C Forch
Macroinvertebrate monitoring: Statistical analysis - Russell Death

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The Use of Macroinvertebrates in Water Management

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