Ontario Benthos Biomonitoring Network Training Courses

Hosted by Conservation Ontario, Lakehead University and the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks. 

Identification of Ontario's Benthic-invertebrate Families

The Ontario Benthos Biomonitoring Network (OBBN), coordinated by the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, is an aquatic macroinvertebrate biomonitoring network for Ontario’s lakes, streams, and wetlands.

This course will fast-track the process of learning family-level benthic-invertebrate identification for those who have mastered basic OBBN 27-group taxonomy. The course also prepares registrants for the family-level certification exam that is administered by the Stroud Centre (Society for Freshwater Science's Taxonomic Certification Program).

The course will be held by OBBN-certified trainers over three consecutive days at Lakehead University, and will include a field practicum.

Space is limited. Advance registration is required.

Date: No upcoming courses. 

Suggested equipment: Students will require a microscope, benthic-invertebrate specimens, laboratory tools, and taxonomic references. We will be referring to An Introduction to the Aquatic Insects of North America, 4th Edition: Merritt, Cummins and Berg specifically during the course. A limited supply of equipment will be provided at the course; however students are asked to be as self-sufficient as possible. Registrants having access to their own stereo microscope, preferred taxonomic keys, or other resources are encouraged to bring them. Microscopes that provide acceptable illumination of benthic-invertebrate specimens, and have magnification of at least 40X, are suitable. 

Hospitality: Registrants are responsible for meals and lodging

For more information: Sarah Sinclair, 705-766-2821 or obbnassistant@gmail.com