Unit 3: miniSASS

In this unit, you’ll learn about miniSASS—what it is, how to use it, how to calculate the miniSASS score, and what to keep in mind when sampling. Once you have completed this unit, you should have a clear understanding of the miniSASS method and how to assess the health of rivers and streams. This unit consists of 8 lessons, with a Quiz at the end. 

By the end of this unit, you will:

• Know when to use miniSASS
• Be able to select a good site to sample
• Understand how to use a miniSASS net
• Learn how to identify aquatic macroinvertebrates
• Know how to calculate your score 
• Know how to upload your result to the miniSASS website

This course is for anyone who wants to learn more about miniSASS and how to use it. Please be aware that this method of assessment does require you to practice in the field using a net. If you can not purchase a miniSASS net (this can be done through the GroundTruth website: https://www.groundtruth.co.za/products/ ) you can make your own, but please do try and make it to the size shown in Lesson 7. It is important to try and keep the tools, method, and sampling effort as much the same as possible. This will allow the data we all collect to be comparable and meaningful. 

Spending time in the field practising, will also allow you to learn how to identify the invertebrates. At first this can seem daunting, but with time becomes easy. If you are unsure of anything, feel free to load your pictures of what you have caught on the social media pages: Citizenscienceforwatersa or post to your own page and use the hashtag #citizenscienceforwater sothat we can copy and share your post. Others who have had more experience will help you identify what you have caught. 

When you are ready, you can also ask on this page if there is someone near to you that can assess how you use the miniSASS method. This will give you the opportunity to become a “Certified Water Monitor”. Reach out on the social media platforms to find out more about how this works.