Phase 2: Feasibility of Implementation 



Guideline 3: Data Collection Methods 



Methods for collecting all indicator measurements should be described. Standard, well-documented 

 methods are preferred. Novel methods should be defended with evidence of effective performance and, 

 if applicable, with comparisons to standard methods. If multiple methods are necessary to accommodate 

 diverse circumstances at different sites, the effects on data comparability across sites must be addressed. 

 Expected sources of error should be evaluated. 



Methods should be compatible with the monitoring design of the program for which the indicator is intended. 

 Plot design and measurements should be appropriate for the spatial scale of analysis. Needs for specialized 

 equipment and expertise should be identified. 



Sampling activities for indicator measurements should not significantly disturb a site. Evidence should be 

 provided to ensure that measurements made during a single visit do not affect the same measurement at 

 subsequent visits or, in the case of integrated sampling regimes, simultaneous measurements at the site. 

 Also, sampling should not create an adverse impact on protected species, species of special concern, or 

 protected habitats. 



Performance Objectives 



1 . Clearly describe all methods required to obtain field measurement data for the indicator. 

 Demonstrate performance and compatibility with standard methods if necessary. 



2. Demonstrate that the plot design (e.g., reach length, index period) associated with 

 methods is appropriate for proposed monitoring framework. 



3. Describe equipment and technical expertise required to successfully implement methods. 



4. Demonstrate that the proposed sampling design and methods have a low impact on the 

 environment and other potential indicator measurements. 



5. Identify and evaluate sources of error associated with implementing a particular method. 



Information regarding the basic procedure used at each sampling site to obtain values for the indicator is 

 presented in Table 4-6. Collection of field data at an individual sampling site is based on standard approaches 

 for stream fish assemblages (McCormick and Hughes 1998). References are presented in Table 4-6 that 

 more completely document the procedures, and point out possible compatibilities with other monitoring efforts. 

 Laboratory methods include confirming field identifications offish species; confirmation should be conducted 

 by a recognized taxonomic expert on the regional ichthyofauna. Other activities include compiling available 

 life history information on each fish species in preparation for making assignments to individual metric categories 

 (e.g., sensitive species, trophic function, type of reproductive strategy). Finally, information regarding the 

 composition and structure of fish assemblages in the region of interest that might be expected under conditions 

 of minimal human disturbance must be obtained to develop expectations for each metric. 



We also present analytical methods used to develop the indicator from measurements of fish assemblages. 

 Most of these procedures are based on standard approaches published for multimetric indicators. We point 

 out deviations from the standard approach and their rationale. We also point out how indicator values are 

 coupled with the proposed monitoring framework to produce a distribution of indicator scores applicable to 

 stream resource populations as described in the Introduction. 



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