Freshwater Taxonomy and Field Identification Skills: macroinvertebrates, protists, meiofauna and eDNA

River ecosystems, vital for biodiversity and human wellbeing, face critical challenges from anthropogenic activities and climate change. Despite localised improvements, global river quality remains poor. Overexploitation, pollution, habitat loss, and invasive species are driving significant freshwater biodiversity declines. To improve biodiversity and ecosystem health, robust monitoring and comprehensive taxonomic research of aquatic environments provide vital information on water quality and biodiversity patterns. This field course addresses the urgent need for skilled freshwater ecologists proficient in conducting rigorous bioassessments, as highlighted by recent reports and legislation such as the British Ecological Society's 2024 report on polluted rivers and the Environment Act (2021). With a strong emphasis on training excellence and practical hands-on experience the field course provides expert tuition in freshwater fieldwork, taxonomy, eDNA and freshwater science. The field course offers comprehensive training in river ecology, water quality assessment, and natural resource management. The course aims to provide participants with skills in sampling and identifying freshwater macroinvertebrates, protists, and meiofauna. It also covers advanced techniques like eDNA sampling and metabarcoding. Key objectives include training in bioassessment approaches, field survey methods, laboratory identification, eDNA, and the application of biotic indices and predictive models. Over five days, participants will progress from learning freshwater sampling techniques to mastering species-level identification of certain macroinvertebrate groups. The course integrates traditional morphological identification methods with cutting-edge eDNA techniques, allowing participants to compare results from both approaches. Practical sessions cover various sampling methods, including kick-sampling, surber sampling, and diatom collection. The training is delivered through a unique collaboration between academic institutions (Bournemouth University), research organisations (Freshwater Biological Association), governmental bodies (Natural England), and industry (AECOM Ecology). This cross-sector approach provides participants with a well-rounded learning experience and valuable networking opportunities. By the end of the training, participants will have developed skills in sampling freshwater habitats, identifying organisms, conducting eDNA analysis, and applying biotic metrics for water quality assessment. These skills are essential for biological monitoring programmes across various sectors, including environmental agencies, conservation groups, water companies, and consultancies. The course addresses the "Green Skills Gap" identified by the Office for National Statistics (2022) and aligns with NERC research priorities in ecology, biodiversity, and systematics. It contributes to the broader goal of effective freshwater resource stewardship, which is vital for societal well-being and economic prosperity. Potential applications of the skills gained include conducting biological monitoring programmes, assessing water quality, and contributing to conservation efforts. The training will enable participants to generate high-quality freshwater data needed by various end-users and to contribute to better management and conservation of freshwater ecosystems. But the benefits of this course extend beyond individual skill development. By training a new generation of freshwater ecologists, it addresses critical environmental challenges like biodiversity loss and water quality degradation, while contributing to the long-term monitoring of freshwater ecosystems through the development of essential sampling and identification expertise. The field course also promotes collaboration among different sectors involved in freshwater management, aligning with NERC's goal of building a sustainable and resilient future. The success of the field course will be tracked through an online discussion forum, post-course surveys, and a follow-up questionnaire to assess long-term career benefits. This comprehensive approach to training and assessment ensures that participants gain not only theoretical knowledge but also practical skills that are directly applicable to their future careers in freshwater ecology and management.