Freshwater biomonitoring with macroinvertebrates in East Asia

This paper summarizes the history and current status of efforts to implement macroinvertebrate biomonitoring protocols for surface water pollution in China, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Mongolia, Russia (Far East), and Thailand. Impediments to biomonitoring in some of these countries include: (1) lack of knowledge about macroinvertebrate fauna and their tolerance values, especially during the aquatic, immature stages; (2) the scarcity of research programs and formal training opportunities for biomonitoring offered in universities; (3) the shortage of high-quality microscopes and other necessary equipment; and (4) limited government understanding and support for biomonitoring, few skilled regulatory staff, and the persistence of old and unusable biomonitoring protocols. A recently established regional network, the Aquatic Entomological Society of East Asia (AESEA), and several major recent publications are helping to coordinate and promote science and technology in East Asia.