In-person at GroundTruth, 9A Quarry Road, Hilton, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa

This 4-day course is designed to provide participants with the basic skills necessary to conduct SASS5 aquatic biomonitoring techniques. This course has been accredited by South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP) and is valid for 4 Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Points. The key elements of the training course offered include the following:

• Introduction and overview of biomonitoring:
  • Principles, theory, advantages, disadvantages, limitations of different methods.
  • Sampling, identifying, and understanding aquatic invertebrates.
  • Guidance on site selection with correct, standardised sampling procedures.
  • Understanding and selecting reference and monitoring sites.
• The course includes a daily practical component comprising comprehensive field work:
  • Practical sample collection as per the SASS5 method.
  • Identification skills development, including microscope work.
• Data interpretation and reporting:
  • Calculation of SASS5 indices and metrics.
  • Field data discussion (e.g., Dallas bands, aquatic ecoregions).
  • Methods and examples of different types of reports and monitoring.
• Requirements for accreditation of practitioners.

NOTE THAT ATTENDING THIS COURSE DOES NOT INCLUDE OR GUARANTEE SASS5 ACCREDITATION. It is mandatory for delegates attending the course to have their own SASS5 equipment, which can be purchased from GroundTruth.

Cost: R10,292.50pp

Next Course: 10 – 13 March 2025