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Riverfly monitoring

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Organisation: 

Riverfly Partnership and the Freshwater Biological Association 

Action:  

Being part of the Riverfly Partnership can help to conserve the aquatic environment through the monitoring of riverfly’s in Britain’s rivers. The health of a river is dependent on many factors, three primary ones being water quality, habitat and flow. Riverfly populations reflect the health of our rivers and still waters. They are sensitive indicators of water quality and are referred to as the river 'canary'. The long-term monitoring of riverfly populations is vital in assessing the health of a river system. More than 270 species of mayflies, caddisflies and stoneflies have been recorded in the UK, eight of which were given Biodiversity Action Plan status and therefore are recognised as of priority for conservation by the government. 

There are 3 core projects citizens can be part of: 

  1. The Riverfly Monitoring Initiative (RMI) where, citizen scientists will sample for the eight pollution-sensitive invertebrates.  

  1. Urban Riverfly including an additional six aquatic invertebrates to those in the RMI scheme  and can be seen across different river systems.  

  1. Extended Riverfly include an additional thirty three invertebrate groups and provide the most detailed picture on river stressors.  

You can collect data and be part of the long-term conservation efforts to help monitor the condition of Britain’s rivers. To become a monitor email info@riverflies.org to discover or create a group in your local area! 

Location:  

Throughout Britian. 

Level of commitment:  

Time commitment varies between groups.  

Training required: 

£1000 covers a group of 12 to be trained by a tutor. The tutor fees cover their time, expenses and practical ID tests. 

Website-Library - Getting Started with the Riverfly Partnership (1).pdf - All Documents (sharepoint.com) 

Kit needed / provided: 

Equipment for a group of 12 can cost up to £1000.  

Approved equipment can be sourced from: Riverfly Partnership Approved Kit | NHBS Wildlife Survey & Monitoring 

  • 1 x 250mm professional hand net with 1mm mesh net bag (0.5m deep) 

  • 1 x large heavy-duty white tray 

  • 1 x nine-section divided tray 

  • 1 x large pipette 

  • 1 x 16 litre bucket with handle and lid 

  • 1 x plastic spoon 

  • 1 x paintbrush 

  • 1 x magnifier 

Outcome: 

The data will be used alongside routine monitoring by the Environment Agency and Natural Resources Wales. this RMI scheme ensures that water quality is checked more widely, and action is taken at the earliest opportunity if any severe issues are detected.  

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