An argument in support of the development of regionalized standard taxonomic efforts for benthic Macroinvertebrate-Based monitoring

Abstract

Taxonomic harmonization for benthic macroinvertebrate abundance data is time consuming. If undertaken lightly it can lead to erroneous inferences regarding taxon-specific responses to environmental gradients, variation in benthic index scores, and increased noise in community comparison efforts. Standardization of taxonomic efforts and nomenclature is intended to minimize between and among lab data reporting variability, and therefore optimize the effectiveness of data analyses related to complex aquatic communities. Here we present an argument for the development of regional standard taxonomic efforts, and encourage data consumers to accept infra-rank nomenclature when it is accompanied by a well-documented and repeatable source such as a standard taxonomic effort. We present this argument from our collective experiences from within the boundaries of the United States of America but these concepts can be applied to any ecological region globally and transcend jurisdictional boundaries.

Keywords

• Bioassessment
• Freshwater benthic macroinvertebrates
• Taxonomy