Benthic macroinvertebrate samples are collected using several different methods.

A "D-frame" kick net and a one meter kick net seine are used to collect semi-quantitative benthic macroinvertebrate samples.

A Surber sampler is used to collect quantitative macroinvertebrate samples in the riffle area of a stream.

A Ponar Grab sampler is typically used to collect macroinvertebrate samples from deep pools and lacustrine habitats.

Macroinvertebrate samples are transported back to the lab at REIC's Biological Division, where insects are sorted from organic material and identified.

Information collected from benthic macroinvertebrate surveys can be used to calculate a large variety of metrics. These metrics are used as an index of overall stream health and condition.