What makes a healthy waterway
Biography
Britt Gregory - Project Officer - Gunbower & Kerang Ramsar Wetlands
Britt is currently working as a project officer for the North Central Catchment Management Authority on the Ramsar listed Gunbower and Kerang Wetlands Enhancement Projects.
In recent years, she has worked as a Waterwatch Facilitator in the region and has introduced many people to the fascinating underwater world of mini-beasts.
How to collect water bugs
To capture macroscopic bugs use a sieve, swimming pool net, or make one with a stocking or netting of some sort around a frame. Swish around quite vigorously in the water in the different micro-habitats, like along the bottom, in mud or gravel, among water plants, along rocks/logs, under overhanging banks etc. It's quite surprising how much can be collected in a short time! Just tip the bugs (along with any other matter collected) into a container or bucket with water. To view them, tip a small amount into a white bottomed tray and use a magnifying glass to see what you've got.
Recommended references
- The Waterbug Book: A Guide to the Freshwater Macroinvertebrates of Temperate Australia (By John Gooderham & Edward Tsyrlin. CSIRO Publishing)
- The Murray Darling Freshwater Research Centre's Online Bug Guide
- Waterwatch Victoria Website
- North Central CMA Website