Case Study

Fish, Macroinvertebrate, and Aquatic Habitat Surveys

Living Waters Consultants provided Comprehensive Biological and Habitat Surveys in several locations for a 37-square mile stream watershed in Lake County, Illinois. Biological monitoring included fish surveys (fish Index of Biotic Integrity or FIBI calculations), aquatic macroinvertebrate surveys (MBI calculations), habitat (Qualitative Habitat Evaluation Index, QHEI), and bank erosion (Bank Erosion Hazard Index, BEHI). Scientific methods were utilized for project protocol including compliance with Illinois EPA QAPP measures. Services included biological surveys, species identification, index calculations, reporting, and data analysis. Results regarding existing stream health were described in a Narrative Report. Possible causes for impairment to stream quality and ecological diversity were noted. Recommendations to restore stream health were provided. Results were included in an Illinois EPA approved Watershed-Based Plan prepared by Lake County SMC.