DIFFERENCES BETWEEN OPERATORS IN COLLECTING QUANTITATIVE SAMPLES OF STREAM MACROINVERTEBRATES

We examined the proficiency of an experienced operator in using a quantitative stream sampling device to collect macroinvertebrates from a boreal forest stream of Alberta, Canada. For most taxa, there were no significant differences between operators. The experienced operator collected significantly more chironomid larvae, limnephilid larvae, and total number of organisms. Similar trends over time in total numbers and total number of taxa collected would have been evident from samples of either the experienced or inexperienced operator. When large numbers of samples are taken, many factors, including fatigue, could be important in the proficiency of operators taking quantitative samples of macroinvertebrates in streams.