KiEco Freshwater Ecology: River Macrophytes

Method steps

1. A strict methodology is applied when sampling for freshwater macrophytes. There is a core network of sites which are monitoring on a three-year rolling programme. These sites are added to for investigative work, or on an ad hoc basis. Sampling areas are located with a larger survey area and must be representative of the overall survey area. A standard cover-class method is the most commonly used method for sampling freshwater macrophytes. Natural Resources Wales collect and analyse in excess of 100 surveys from rivers every year. Macrophyte species are identified on site and confirmed in the laboratory if necessary.