Benthic macroinvertebrates are organisms that live a portion of their life-cycle in or near the streambed and include insects, crustaceans, worms, snails, and clams. These animals are collected, placed into sample bottles, and sent to a lab for sorting and identification. The lab sends back a report including a score of the biotic integrity. Higher scores correspond to better stream “health.” A high scoring stream generally has a diverse group of benthic macroinvertebrates, including many species that are sensitive to pollution.

Stream samples have been collected throughout the Puget Sound Region for more than 10 years. However, in Kitsap County the previous monitoring was sporadic. This effort is a consistent bi-annual event that will be evaluated using valid statistical methods. Previous monitoring data will be incorporated in future analysis.

More information about benthic sampling can be found at www.pugetsoundstreambenthos.org.Current and past data for Kitsap sites can also be viewed in map or table format on the Puget Sound Stream Benthos website.

• Final Tech Report

• Project Quality Assurance Project Plan

• Benthic Sampling Schedule

• Benthic Watershed Selection Table

• Previous monitoring data

• Press Release – October 15, 2010

Photos:

Fall 2010 Sampling--Carpenter Creek, Kingston	Fall 2010 Sampling--Finn Creek, Hansville

Kitsap County Public Works                                                                                      Updated: 02/27/2012
Surface & Stormwater Management Program
(360) 337-5777 or (800) 825-4940
Kitsap1@co.kitsap.wa.us