Benthic Macroinvertebrate Laboratory (BMI Lab)
Location
The Canadian Rivers Institute Benthic Macroinvertebrate Laboratory (BMI Lab) is located on the University of New Brunswick campus in Fredericton, New Brunswick.
Services/Clients
The BMI lab provides taxonomic services for benthic macroinvertebrate and zooplankton samples. We are able to calculate a variety of biotic index values and statistical analyses depending on client needs. We will also perform field sampling for invertebrates and can assist with any stages of sample analysis including sorting, identifications, data analysis, and report writing.
We are presently building Benthic Macroinvertebrate assessment models for New Brunswick's Water Classification Programme and a rapid BMI assessment tool linked to Water Classification for local community groups. In partnership with Environment Canada, we have developed an online training programme for the Canadian Aquatic Biomonitoring Network (CABIN). CABIN is a collaborative programme developed and maintained by Environment Canada for collecting, assessing and distributing information on the biological condition and biodiversity of aquatic ecosystems in Canada.
Our CRI laboratory contains the latest in equipment and is adjacent to Environment Canada's Bioassessment Centre of Excellence at the University of New Brunswick. In addition to identifications, we can provide digital imaging and sample dry and wet weights. We have an extensive collection of taxonomic reference materials on hand, and easy access to additional resources available from the University of New Brunswick.
Currently, we have processed over 300 samples and identified more than 150,000 organisms. At present, our reference collection has over 100 genera from across New Brunswick and the Atlantic provinces.
