OBBN TRAINING

REGISTRATION CLOSES FRIDAY OCTOBER 9

Ontario Benthos Biomonitoring Network Training

Ontario Streams offers Ontario Benthos Biomonitoring Network (OBBN) training courses, in spring and fall sessions. These courses are intended for students and professionals who will be involved in stream surveys and biodiversity monitoring.


The course will cover provincially standardized techniques for aquatic biomonitoring using benthic macroinvertebrates.


Instruction is provided by Madeline Michaud, a certified instructor


Course fee: $300 + HST.


As a non-profit registered charity, Ontario Streams is dependent on the support from our paid programming to implement our work. By participating in our programs, you will be directly assisting in the restoration and conservation of our local watershed for future generations to enjoy!

Who is this course designed for?

This course is intended for field crews and resource managers who are involved in stream surveys and management.

What do I need to bring?

Ontario Streams will provide all of the required safety equipment.

However, you must bring your own chest waders. If you do not have access to a pair, please indicate this in Step 2 of registration and we will bring you a pair.

Additionally, please let us know if you have access to a microscope or relevant sampling gear (D-nets) .

Other good things to bring:

1. Long pants and socks long enough to tuck in - waders can cause disagreeable blisters in the heat
2. Sun protection (e.g. hat, sunscreen, polarized sunglasses are ideal working around water)
3. Insect protection (e.g. DEET or Icaridin repellents)
4. Adequate water and food for each day

Will I get a copy of the OBBN manual?

A physical copy of the OBBN manual will be provided to registrants that have requested one on the practical training day. The price for the physical copy is $30 + HST.

Should you wish the hard copy to be sent to you before hand, contact the course administrator.

An electronic version of the manual is also available for free below. The electronic copy allows you to quickly access and search for information while in the field.

Will I receive a confirmation of course completion?

Yes.

A letter indicating your successful completion of the course, quiz, and practical session will be provided to you in the weeks following the course.

I am registering for several people at once.

Please register each person individually so we have the appropriate name and contact information to send the course details.

I don't/my organization doesn't have a credit card or PayPal account. How can I pay?

Complete Steps 1 & 2 of registration and then please contact info@ontariostreams.on.ca.

How often do I need to take the refresher course?

OBBN training is a life-long certification.

Can I cancel my registration, transfer to another date, or transfer it to a co-worker or friend?

Please contact info@ontariostreams.on.ca, we would be happy to help!

In the case of refunds and transfer, a $50 administrative fee applies.

In the case of transferring the course to another participant, we will process a refund (less administrative fee) for the original participant and hold the space for the new participant to fully register under their own name.

Can Ontario Streams run a closed course for our staff or students?

In some rare cases it may be more cost effective to have the course run locally, instead of paying to travel to the set course location.

If you think this may be the case, please contact info@ontariostreams.on.ca.

Do you offer student rates for this course?

No.

Unfortunately, we cannot offer any discounts for the OBBN course to students.

Do you offer fish identification courses?

Not at this time.

If you are interested in being added to a waiting list, please email info@ontariostreams.on.ca

Reference Materials


The main purpose of the Ontario Benthos Biomonitoring Network (OBBN) is to enable assessment of aquatic ecosystem condition using benthos as indicators of water and habitat quality.

See below for our Fall 2026 Training Session!


If you would like to be placed on the waitlist for our next course, please email info@ontariostreams.on.ca.


Contact info@ontariostreams.on.ca if you experience any issues. 

Please complete the following 3 steps:

Please ensure you fully complete all 3 above steps.


We will see you out in the streams!

Every Ontario Streams program you are involved in supports

the conservation and rehabilitation of streams and wetlands

through Ontario Stream's projects.


Thank you for your support!