Standard field sampling equipment for aquatic biomonitoring

Before heading out to the field, you must ensure you’ve packed all the necessary equipment for sampling. An equipment checklist should be used to ensure everything is prepared according to CABIN protocols for field sampling.

The following list represents the minimum required equipment for sampling with the CABIN protocols.

General equipment

• Field sheets and clipboard
• Pencils and markers
• Gloves (rubber, neoprene)
• Waterproof labels
• Labelling tape
• Ziploc bags
• Duct tape and tool kit

Location and reach data

• GPS
• Camera (underwater - optional)
• Densiometer (optional)

Channel and substrate characteristics

• Velocity meter OR Meter stick
• Measuring tape
• 15 or 30 cm ruler
• Hand level
• Calculator
• Tent pegs

Water chemistry sampling

• Water quality metres (pH, DO, conductivity, turbidity, temp)
• Cooler with sample bottles and ice packs
• Extra batteries

Benthic sampling

• Kicknet
• Stopwatch
• Sieve
• White tray
• Squeeze Bottle
• Spoon/tweezers
• Bucket
• Sample jars
• Formalin with MSDS and gloves & glasses
• Cooler for sample jars & formalin