Check what lives in the Merced River, Snelling CA (2026-07-10)

the Merced River in Snelling CA's biological health is unknown; the macroinvertebrate community (a biotic integrity indicator) has not been sampled to gauge impairment. Standard: US EPA Rapid Bioassessment Protocol macroinvertebrate biotic index (family-level); SDG 6.6 water-related ecosystems. Proof: photo of riffle + GPS + taxa tally + biotic index score Method (EPA Rapid Bioassessment Protocol (family-level macroinvertebrate index), ~60-120 min): 1. Navigate to a riffle habitat; record GPS; photograph the reach. 2. Disturb the substrate upstream of the net for a fixed time/area (kick sample) per RBP. 3. Transfer the catch to the sorting tray; pick and sort organisms. 4. Identify to family; tally counts; record EPT (Ephemeroptera/Plecoptera/Trichoptera) taxa. 5. Compute the biotic index score from the tally. 6. Note substrate and habitat condition. 7. Enter tally, EPT count, index score, GPS, photos into the proof record; sign. Equipment: kick net or D-frame net, white sorting tray, forceps, sample jars + ethanol, family-level ID key, GPS phone, waders/boots, camera Done when: Family-level taxa tally recorded; EPT taxa count recorded; Biotic index score computed; GPS waypoint + riffle habitat photo

Where

the Merced River, Snelling CA

Pay

$80 proposed

This packet is not funded yet, so this figure is a proposed price and not money waiting in escrow. If a buyer funds it, approved proof settles that price onchain. If nobody funds it, approved proof earns provable credit toward the work instead of cash. You see which before you claim, never after.

Proof

photo of riffle + GPS + taxa tally + biotic index score

This is exactly what gets it approved. Nothing settles without it.

Level

advanced

Open until

2026-10-09

How this work is done

A documented method, so this packet comes out the same whoever does it. Typically 60–120 minutes. Method of record: EPA Rapid Bioassessment Protocol (family-level macroinvertebrate index)

Bring

• kick net or D-frame net
• white sorting tray
• forceps
• sample jars + ethanol
• family-level ID key
• GPS phone
• waders/boots
• camera

Steps

1. 1. Navigate to a riffle habitat; record GPS; photograph the reach.
2. 2. Disturb the substrate upstream of the net for a fixed time/area (kick sample) per RBP.
3. 3. Transfer the catch to the sorting tray; pick and sort organisms.
4. 4. Identify to family; tally counts; record EPT (Ephemeroptera/Plecoptera/Trichoptera) taxa.
5. 5. Compute the biotic index score from the tally.
6. 6. Note substrate and habitat condition.
7. 7. Enter tally, EPT count, index score, GPS, photos into the proof record; sign.

If it does not match the plan

• Low EPT count / low biotic index -> tag impaired; recommend a follow-up water-chemistry screen.
• No sensitive taxa present -> flag for stressor identification.

What counts as done

• Family-level taxa tally recorded
• EPT taxa count recorded
• Biotic index score computed
• GPS waypoint + riffle habitat photo

Proof is measured against these, not judged by taste.