CABIN sampling timing guidelines

CABIN (Canadian Aquatic Biomonitoring Network) sampling timing guidelines specify the ideal periods for collecting benthic macroinvertebrate samples to ensure data comparability and capture representative aquatic community conditions.

General Timing Guidelines

• CABIN recommends sampling during the index period, which is typically from late spring through early fall.

• The preferred window is July 1 to September 30 in most Canadian regions, aligning with stable flows and after spring freshet but before autumn leaf fall.

• Sampling outside this window can introduce seasonal variation, making results less comparable to national reference data.

Rationale and Regional Adjustment

• This index period coincides with most aquatic insect life stages being mature and identifiable, ensuring sample integrity.

• In some regions (e.g., mountainous sites with later melt or areas with an extended growing season), timing may be adjusted slightly, but must be documented.

• Extreme flows, ice cover, or recent heavy rain events should be avoided because they can disrupt benthic communities and alter results.

Additional Considerations

• Sampling should occur during similar flow and temperature regimes as reference or prior data.

• Sites impacted by seasonal operations (e.g., regulated releases or agricultural activities) may require careful scheduling.

Key Points Table

Parameter	Preferred Timing	Reason
General CABIN sampling	July 1 – Sept 30	Stable flows, adult macroinvertebrate presence
Avoid	Post-freshet, autumn leaf fall, flood/high flows, drought/extreme flow, recent heavy rain, ice cover	Sample disruption, poor comparability
Documentation	Any deviation noted	Required for transparency/comparability

CABIN timing guidelines help ensure benthic monitoring is consistent and ecologically meaningful across varied Canadian watersheds.