The structure of every ecosystem has a living component (the organisms themselves) and a non-living (environmental or habitat) component. Biomonitoring is primarily used to gain an understanding of the living components.  

Site- and ecosystem-specific habitat assessments are applied at monitoring localities, along with a range of supporting physical and chemical measurements, to describe the non-living component. Where possible, baseline surveys are performed at desired-state reference localities to gain an understanding of what the ecosystem health should be like in its pristine, unmodified state.  Data pertaining to the living and non-living components can then be assessed in an integrated manner for its use by decision makers in environmental management. 

The range of biomonitoring assessments applied by Clean Stream Biological Services include the following:

  1. BIOASSESSMENTS
     that include ecological surveys of the functional and structural aspects of biological communities. Indices used include the SASS5, MIRAI, FAII, FRAI and IHAS models. These indices are only applied and interpreted by our approved and accredited scientists.
  2. TOXICITY BIOASSAYS
    that involve laboratory-based methodologies to investigate and predict the effect of compounds on test organisms. As performed by our sister company, Biotox Laboratory Services
  3. BEHAVIOURAL BIOASSAYS
    to explore in-stream sub-lethal effects on fish and macro-invertebrates, when exposed to contaminants.
  4. FISH HEALTH STUDIES
    to provide an accurate indication of overall ecosystem health.
  5. BIOACCUMULATION STUDIES
    that involve investigations into the increase of chemical concentrations
    in biological organisms over time.