EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Aquatic Effects Technology Evaluation (AETE) program commissioned a technical evaluation of field and laboratory methods for collection and enumeration of benthic invertebrates for biological monitoring at mine sites. The objective of the technical evaluation was to critically review the recent literature on field and laboratory methods for sampling benthic invertebrates, compare various methods and approaches, and recommend the most cost-effective methods for biomonitoring of metal mines in Canada. The best methods are defined as those that return the greatest amount of sensitive, relevant, reliable data for the least cost. Sensitivity is the most important of these attributes because sensitive methods can act as early warning systems of impending ecosystem damage, and are more likely to detect subtle effects of chronic, low-level metals loadings.