Author(s): Jessica Wright
Published: 2010
Type: M.E.S. Papers/Theses
The use of aquatic benthic macroinvertebrates is predominant within biological monitoring because they function as a good indicator of stream health and water quality. Moreover, due to low cost and relative ease of use benthic macroinvertebrates are popular as an indicator group for community organizations conducting stream assessments. In Costa Rica, there is one community based monitoring group, ANAI that conducts biological monitoring with aquatic insects. Biological indices are tools used in biomonitoring to analyze the presence or absence of indicator taxa. This study includes the analysis of three major biological indices, the BWMP-CR, the FBI and the FBI-CR. Section 4 (Costa Rican Context) will discuss water monitoring and management within the Costa Rican context.