The Ontario Benthos Biomonitoring Network
The Ontario Benthos Biomonitoring Network is a multi-sector biomonitoring collaboration, in which bottom-dwelling aquatic invertebrates are used to monitor the ecological condition of lakes, streams, and wetlands. The Network is led by the Ontario Ministry of Environment, but certified participants represent all sectors. The network features standard sampling protocols, training, and a database (which allows data to be shared among members). Information most queried by OBBN members is listed below.
Training
Database
Research
File Downloads
Verifying Counts and Identifications
Training
Training courses are organized periodically by certified Network trainers. These courses prepare prospective OBBN members for certification. To be certified, candidates must demonstrate their competence at applying sampling methods and identifying invertebrates. Training courses, and the program of certifying members, is part of the OBBN’s quality-assurance plan.
The Dorset Enviromental Science Center is also a registered test center for the NABS Family ID exam. Contact Sarah Sinclair for details on how to take the test.
- Upcoming Courses and Training Request
- Registration Policy
- NABS_Family_Study_Guide.PDF
Database
A database, and associated internet-based mapping and reporting tools - the Ministry of the Environment GIS Portal - permit sharing, analysis and summarization of OBBN data. All data contributed to the OBBN database is shared freely among OBBN members, and no restrictions are placed on the use of that data. Before sharing their data, Network members demonstrated competence with sampling methods and invertebrate identification, and used appropriate quality-control procedures to ensure data-quality; however, members do not guarantee the accuracy of their data, and accept no responsibility for consequences arising from errors in their data. Shared data remains the property of their contributor. As a courtesy to fellow OBBNers, members are asked to notify data owners before using shared data in any report they intend to publish.
Contact Chris Jones for instructions about how to obtain an OBBN database account.
Research
Here is a collection of collaborative reseach papers etc.
- 2008 Taxonomic Sufficiency Paper
- Jones 2006 OBBN Social Capital Paper
- Jones et al. 2009 Mixed-wood Plains Ecosystem Status Report
- Protocol Manual
- BADCat
File Downloads
The following files include Power Point, Windows Movie, Excel, Word and PDF documents. Each link will open in a new window.
It is recommended you Right Click and choose Save Target As to download to your computer. Please click here to download the files.
Verifying Counts and Identifications
Chris Jones and Sarah Sinclair are certified as taxonomists through the North American Benthological Society. Through the Dorset Environmental Science Centre’s Biology lab, they offer a taxonomy service. OBBN members may submit quality-control samples to have family-level taxonomy and enumerations checked. To qualify for this service, samples must have been collected in Ontario, using OBBN methods. Once carefully packaged, qualifying samples may be shipped to Dorset, accompanied by a Biological Sample Submission Form. Inquiries about this service should be directed to Sarah Sinclair.
- Biological Sample Submission Form
Steps in keying various families of benthic invertebrates are shown below. Click on the link to the video that interests you…” (Coming soon!)
OBBN Coordinators
Chris Jones Benthic Monitoring Scientist
Sarah Sinclair Biomonitoring Technician