Summary

The Ontario Stream Assessment Protocol contains a series of standardized methodologies for identifying sites, evaluating benthic macroinvertebrates, fish communities, physical habitat, geomorphology, hydrology and water temperature in wadeable streams.

Protocols are organized into sections containing methods that outline how to collect and interpret data. The modules are designed to be conducted on their own or in combination with other modules. The protocol provides standardized methods that ensure data repeatability. Use of these standard methodologies allow data to be shared and used for multiple purposes.

The Ontario Stream Assessment Protocol was designed to address a variety of stream assessment issues, ranging from specific questions (such as determining maximum summer water temperature) to broader issues (such as changes in fish community composition over time).

There are also modules to document the site features that influence stream conditions, such as:

  • local land or water use
  • groundwater upwellings
  • presence of restoration activities
  • barriers to fish migration and invasive species

These additional modules provide assessment tools to better understand the factors that influence stream condition and are designed to be easily applied together with other modules.

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