Monitoring & Education
Macroinvertebrate stream monitoring and eDNA: better together
September 11, 2026 · 5 min read
Mayflies, stoneflies, and caddisflies have been the backbone of volunteer stream assessment for decades. eDNA extends that picture.
What kick-nets tell you
Pollution-sensitive taxa indicate good water quality and are easy to teach.
What eDNA adds
Fish, amphibians, crayfish, mussels, and mammals using the stream, plus invertebrates hard to identify by eye.
Combined protocol
Collect water eDNA upstream of the kick-net area before disturbing the substrate, then complete the invertebrate survey.