THE Big Waterbug Count is fast approaching, with Bellingen Riverwatch (BR) taking registrations now.

On Friday 27 May, as a citizen scientist you can join Bellingen Riverwatch volunteers and organisation partners who will gather to study and identify the tiny creatures that live in our waterways.

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“This year, we will be sending out learning materials and quizzes in the lead up to the event, and scientists from The Department of Planning and Environment Science Division will be hosting lead-up training sessions in the week prior to The Count,” Program Manager at OzGREEN, Amy Denshire, told News Of The Area.

“The waterbugs found in our rivers are a direct indicator of environmental impact – if they change over time, then some difference in the environment has caused that change.”

This event is part of BR’s Macroinvertebrate Monitoring program – one of the largest of its kind in the country.

The data is hoped to be collected twice a year and extend well into the future, to build a clear picture of how our waterways are changing over time.

“We are looking long-term with this program and are seeking community members with an interest in science or river health to join us, try it out for this round, and perhaps become a part of the program year-on-year,” said Amy.

“Yes, it’s complex work and requires lots of concentration, but it’s super fun and we’re all learning together and building our skills over time,” Amy said.

“It is seriously fascinating stuff,” said Robert Gale, volunteer.

“It’s mind blowing the first time you see the amount of life in one bucket of water from these incredible rivers.”

The unique river systems of the Bellinger and Kalang catchments (some of the most studied rivers in NSW) are home to many diverse species, including the critically endangered Bellingen River Snapping Turtle (BRST).

The macro program began because BRST scientists wanted to keep an eye on the abundance of waterbugs that form the diet of the turtle.

“The ongoing recovery of the Bellinger River Snapping Turtle in the Bellinger Catchment is linked directly to the aquatic macroinvertebrate communities of the catchment’s rivers,” said Shane Ruming, Scientist, Department of Planning and Environment, Saving our Species.

“Not only are aquatic macroinvertebrates an important component of the Bellinger River Snapping Turtle diet, the macroinvertebrate communities are sensitive to changes in water quality and will, therefore, be an important indicator of river health into the future.”

The Count will take place on Friday 27 May from 9.30am to 5pm at the Luncheon Pavilion, Bellingen Showground.

For more information, visit www.ozgreen.org/macro2_info or to register (very limited places) for this free event, visit www.ozgreen.orgmacro2_signup.

Registration is open until 11 March.

“This is such a great program,” said Sarah Maclagan, volunteer.

“It offers a tangible way for people to give back to nature, in a fun and accessible way.”

The Bellingen Riverwatch Macroinvertebrate Monitoring Program is supported by the Australian Government’s Bushfire Recovery Program for Wildlife and their Habitat, NSW Department of Planning and Environment and its Saving our Species program, Bellingen Shire Council, North Coast Local Land Services, EnviroComm Connections and National Waterbug Blitz and OzGREEN.

For any questions, please contact Amy on amy@ozgreen.org.au.