Biodiversity Field Sampling
There are endless numbers of accepted methods for examining the biotic components of an ecosystem. For the purposes of the 4empowerment projects, field sampling techniques have been narrowed down to the kick net method. If you have a seine and the appropriate watershed to use a seine, there are details below for how to utilize this tool, but, for the purposes of this project, a seine is optional.
USING THE SEINE
Seines are large nets that can be obtained in a variety of lengths and mesh sizes and are typically stretched between two poles. They are generally used for sampling larger open bodies of water. Typically, seines have floats on top and lead weights at the bottom to keep the net from collapsing when pulled through the water. Seining requires a minimum of two people.
Procedure
With one person at each pole, the seine is pulled along in shallow water over a specified distance. When sampling in streams, rivers or areas that have significant currents or high winds, it is important to pull the net against the direction of water flow/wind to assure that the seine will open properly. When reaching the end of the pulling distance, the samplers should stop and carefully lift the net so that a cavity forms in the middle, thereby insuring that the organisms captured do not escape. The net may then be carefully transported to the shore for examination and collection. It is necessary for students to practice using a seine in order to become proficient with its use.
Note: It is very important that the exact dimensions of the net, the distance of each seine pull, and the seine's mesh size be noted on your Biodiversity Monitoring Form (steps 1 and 2).
