Benthos

Benthic macroinvertebrates have historically been sampled as a means of assessing the relative quality of a river, including both habitat and water quality. The presence of certain taxa ( i.e. the insect orders Ephemeroptera, Trichoptera, and Plecoptera) are usually indicative of high stream quality, while high numbers of other taxa ( i.e. Oligochaetes) are generally present in streams with degraded water quality.

Read an article documenting the return of the Stone Fly to the Rouge River. The presence of the stone fly is an indicator of improved water quality in the river. Stone Flies Show the Rouge is Improving

Friends of the Rouge (FOTR), a local non-profit organization, is dedicated to promoting restoration and stewardship of the Rouge River through education and citizen involvement.  The winter Stonefly search is part of the FOTR volunteer benthic monitoring program. 

The results can be viewed at: Friends of the Rouge 2004 Winter Stonefly Findings