Short NoteAn integrated remote sampling approach for aquatic invertebrates associated with submerged macrophytes

Abstract

A sampling method and apparatus for collecting meaningful and quantifiable samples of aquatic macroinvertebrates, and the macrophytes they are associated with, are presented. Where physical danger from wildlife is a significant factor, especially in Africa, this apparatus offers some safety in that it can be operated from a boat. The study aimed to determine whether the methods and apparatus presented would sample a similar diversity and abundance of macroinvertebrates in comparison with a standard method. A total of 18 aquatic invertebrate families were collected, with no significant differences in diversity between the methods but, using the proposed method, there were significantly higher abundances of Baetidae, Caenidae, Ecnomidae and Physidae. The methods presented do give a quantifiable sample of macroinvertebrates on submerged macrophytes.

Keywords: abundance, biodiversity, community composition, epiphytic invertebrates, planktonic invertebrates

African Journal of Aquatic Science 2013, 38(3): 337–340