Biological Sampling
Many states have determined that biological sampling provides a more efficient and cost-effective means of monitoring streams and perhaps a more accurate method of assessing designated uses of surface waters. As New York has pointed out (NYDEC, 2002): "While water sampling provides a snapshot of conditions at the time of the sample collection, sediment and tissue results provide a view of conditions over a longer period of time." Biological sampling for macroinvertebrates has also been cited by some states as an ideal activity for volunteers. A few of the states that are strong proponents of biological sampling are mentioned below. Delaware uses the EPA "Rapid Bioassessment Protocols" and seems to be one of the more advanced states on biological monitoring. Also, Delaware is developing and testing new protocols for sampling biological data in order to determine whether specific biological criteria can be developed to determine support of designated uses (EPA, 1998).
