The following details techniques for sampling benthic macroinvertebrates with a variety of off-shore and on-shore techniques.  Dipnet shoreline sweeps are recommended for in concert with each method.  Shoreline sampling protocols include rock picking (visual survey), kick net, and minnow trapping (termed "activity" trap).  Offshore sampling includes grabs and plankton net tows.  These protocols are recommended for 20-40 ha lakes.  Number of samples needed for each methodology will vary by location and method – investigators should perform a pilot study to determine these variables.

Shoreline sweeps:

The authors recommend sweeping the shoreline vegetation with dipnets to collect adult insects each time a site is visited.  If necessary, collections can be standardized by sweeping over a fixed-time period or fixed area.

Onshore methods:

Kick and sweep:

The kick net is a triangular or D-shaped metal frame holding a bag with a mesh of 400-mm.  One end of the metal frame is attached to a rake handle.  The investigator walks back and forth over the chosen area kicking up the substrate and then sweeping above the disturbed are to capture dislodged or escaping invertebrates.  A standard time interval of 5 min should be used initially, but different times should be examined in a calibration study.  The investigator should pass over the sampling are (ca. 5-10 m²) twice in the allotted time because the second pass often provides more specimens than the first.