Page 85 - Freshwater-Biology-and-Ecology-Handbook
P. 85
3
RIVPACS FIELD
AND LABORATORY
METHODS
The RIVPACS method is the standard sampling
and assessment methodology for river
invertebrate monitoring in the UK.
Variations of it are also used to collect samples
from canals, ponds, and lake margins.
RIVPACS is an ecological model for
predicting the invertebrate community
that you would expect in a sample from
any permanently flowing river or stream
in the UK in its minimally impacted state.
RIVPACS is an integral part of the UK’s river
invertebrate status classification for the WFD.
Detailed sampling and laboratory methods have
been developed to optimise its practicality,
reliability, and performance.
It is an efficient method that provides sufficient
precision for enforcing statutory biological
quality objectives.
It is critical that any samples to be analysed by
RIVPACS, including any used to determine river
invertebrate status class, are collected in strict
accordance with RIVPACS protocols.
Freshwater Biology and Ecology Handbook | 85
–
