Project Description

Since 2003, a benthic monitoring program has been implemented in three local coldwater streams to monitor the health of these aquatic ecosystems. Benthic monitoring involves collecting bottom samples from the streams to identify and count the macroinvertebrates, or bottom dwelling organisms, present in the water. Since some of these species are sensitive to disruptions in their environment they are good indicators of the health of the aquatic ecosystems.
In 2003, the Bruce Peninsula Biosphere Association established a partnership with the Ontario Benthos Biomonitoring Network (OBBN) to initiate a longterm monitoring program on the Northern Bruce Peninsula. Seven monitoring sites have been established along Willow Creek, Crane River and Spring Creek to collect baseline data on their overall health and monitor changes to the ecosystem (See Map). At each site along the streams, benthic macroinvertebrates are collected and several chemical and physical tests are conducted to gain an overall understanding of the streams’ health. This data not only provides an understanding of our local aquatic ecosystems, but it also contributes to a provincial database managed by the OBBN.
This monitoring program can provide valuable information on the management of these aquatic ecosystems and can indicate the success of current restoration projects conducted by Parks Canada and local Sportsmen’s Associations, and furthermore, the effectiveness of current management practices on private lands.