Bottom+Dredge

Bottom Dredge

Tools/ Equipment:

1. Bottom Dredge Net 2. 3-5 Large Ziplock bags 3. White bucket 4. Yellow macro-invertebrate folder 5. Specimen jars

Procedure:

1. At the site, locate areas along the shore that appear to be able to support macro-invertebrates. These areas will have high amounts of reeds and other vegetation. 2. Use the dredging net to scoop bottom dredge from bottom of the body of water. This can difficult at times. 3. Remove the net from the water without spilling its contents and put the bottom dredge in one of the bags. Repeat this until all bags are filled. 4. Place bags into white bucket to carry them more easily. 5. In class, empty the contents of one bag and examine it. Carefully sift through the “clumps” for organisms. 6. Carefully collect the organisms found, and place them into specimen jars for class use. Make sure to put some water in the jars. 7. Use the macro-invertebrate folders to identify the organisms.

Significance:

Bottom dredge can help determine the quality of the water. Diversity and high quantities of organisms found in bottom dredge show that the water is of good quality because it has the nutrients to support the organisms.