Coming February 2024
Doing MacroBlitz science refers to observe and identify, photograph and upload. We will have more information on how to do all these things soon, but in the meantime you can read a Linked In post by team lead Anne Lewis about MacroBlitz and science, originally posted July 16, 2023. Reposted here with light editing.
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I am spending this summer prepping for the #MacroBlitz project launch in April 2024. This means lots of time field testing our protocols and procedures to empower folks to take photos of aquatic macroinvertebrates and upload them to iNaturalist.
Why do I want people to do this?
The final two reasons speak, I think, for themselves.This quote from "Dude, Where's My Hatch: The decline of aquatic insects should bug everyone" from the Patagonia 50th Anniversary Journal provides the why for the science. The author, Stephen Sautner, posed the question on social medial about whether the mayfly hatch is, in fact, in decline. An EPA scientist, writing from a personal account, replied: “Seems a continent-wide observation, undoubtedly borne out in many waters but coupled with blurry exceptions in others. We don’t monitor with precision for these ecologically and culturally important flies to answer basic questions, unfortunately.”
In short, we are collecting data to answer questions, not just about mayflies but about aquatic macroinvertebrates in general. I know that activating volunteers to make iNaturalist observations will not yield precise EPA level data, but local observational data does have its place in the massive historical dataset needed to understand changes in ecosystems over time.
You don't have to wait till MacroBlitz launches next summer to get started. Go to a stream or pond with a small net and a clear cup. Swish the net in the water near vegetation or along a rocky bottom. Gently pour contents into the cup. What do you see?
Regardless of the actual organisms, you will get a glimpse into a world that is, by and large, hidden from our day to day activities and perhaps, on the cusp of change. See it, and document it, while you can.
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I am spending this summer prepping for the #MacroBlitz project launch in April 2024. This means lots of time field testing our protocols and procedures to empower folks to take photos of aquatic macroinvertebrates and upload them to iNaturalist.
Why do I want people to do this?
- So scientists and natural resource managers will have more information through a crowd sourced #CitizenScience effort.
- So people will care about the water and the insects since you care about what you know.
- Because everything is connected and this is a way to give back to the Earth. #reciprocity
The final two reasons speak, I think, for themselves.This quote from "Dude, Where's My Hatch: The decline of aquatic insects should bug everyone" from the Patagonia 50th Anniversary Journal provides the why for the science. The author, Stephen Sautner, posed the question on social medial about whether the mayfly hatch is, in fact, in decline. An EPA scientist, writing from a personal account, replied: “Seems a continent-wide observation, undoubtedly borne out in many waters but coupled with blurry exceptions in others. We don’t monitor with precision for these ecologically and culturally important flies to answer basic questions, unfortunately.”
In short, we are collecting data to answer questions, not just about mayflies but about aquatic macroinvertebrates in general. I know that activating volunteers to make iNaturalist observations will not yield precise EPA level data, but local observational data does have its place in the massive historical dataset needed to understand changes in ecosystems over time.
You don't have to wait till MacroBlitz launches next summer to get started. Go to a stream or pond with a small net and a clear cup. Swish the net in the water near vegetation or along a rocky bottom. Gently pour contents into the cup. What do you see?
Regardless of the actual organisms, you will get a glimpse into a world that is, by and large, hidden from our day to day activities and perhaps, on the cusp of change. See it, and document it, while you can.