This document 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:

This is a good method so sample larger inverts, such as crayfish, leeches, and dragonfly larvae.  Wire minnow traps, which have been modified to enlarge the entrance to 30-40 mm diameter are baited with pieces of hot dog or cheesecloth bags containing cat food.  Traps are set in the evening and retrieved the following morning.  Depth of placement may significantly affect total catch and taxa collected by traps.