Bioassessment Database

Background and Objective

The Aquatic Bioassessment Laboratory (part of the Department of Fish and Game’s Water Pollution Control Laboratory) supports the use of biology in California’s water quality management and assessment programs. Bioassessment data offers a valuable supplemental measure of ecological condition, integrating effects over time and space, incorporating measures of physical habitat condition, and providing a context for interpreting other water qualities measures. Management and collation of this data are important parts of preparing it for analysis.

The goal of this project was to create and administer a database that allows for timely and accurate addition of bioassessment data both in the lab and the field. To use this database, Microsoft Access (2000 and above) is required.
 

Status

This is an ongoing project initiated in 2005.

Methods

This data tool was developed using established Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) data structures, where information about the status of the physical, chemical and biological characteristics of the environment is collected to answer specific questions about the status and trends in water quality.

Partners

This project is being conducted in collaboration with researchers from the Department of Fish and Game Aquatic Bioassessment Laboratory and Moss Landing Marine Laboratories.