IUCN SSC Global Freshwater Macroinvertebrate Sampling Protocols Task Force

More about GLOSAM

The IUCN SSC Global Freshwater Macroinvertebrate Sampling Protocols Task Force (GLOSAM) will aim to address the issue of a lack of standardized and harmonized bioassessment protocols. With a core group of 15 researchers, government officials and NGO representatives from around the globe, this group aims to put bioassessment based on freshwater macroinvertebrates on the global map by filling gaps where protocols for such activities are currently lacking.

By monitoring freshwater macroinvertebrates such as insects, crustaceans, molluscs, and worms, scientists and conservationists can also monitor freshwater health: presence and abundance of these species provide key information on the status of freshwater ecosystems in relation to anthropogenic threats. Insights from such monitoring thus allows to make smarter decisions in freshwater management.

GLOSAM work

Initially, the group will focus on collating an inventory of protocols used across the globe to establish a global overview of macroinvertebrate protocols; subsequently, this will form the basis for several activities which will result in standardized protocols for freshwater bioassessment.