Bioassessment Database

Background and Objective

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 State Water Resources Control Board's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) and the Aquatic Bioassessment Laboratory (part of the Department of Fish and Game’s Water Pollution Control Laboratory) support the use of biology in California’s water quality management and assessment programs.

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 project was initiated in 2005 and completed in 2012.

Methods

This database was developed using established SWAMP data structures, where information about the status of the physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of the environment are collected to answer specific questions about the status and trends in water quality.

Findings

Information on the bioassessment database and the most current version can be found on the SWAMP data management website.

Partners

This project was conducted in collaboration with the Department of Fish and Game Aquatic Bioassessment Laboratory, State Water Resources Control Board Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program, and Moss Landing Marine Laboratories.