Canadian Aquatic Biomonitoring Network (CABIN)

The Canadian Aquatic Biomonitoring Network (CABIN) is an aquatic biological monitoring program for assessing the health of freshwater ecosystems in Canada. CABIN is based on the network of networks approach that promotes inter-agency collaboration and data-sharing to achieve consistent and comparable reporting on freshwater quality and aquatic ecosystem conditions in Canada. The program is maintained by Environment Canada to support the collection, assessment, reporting and distribution of biological monitoring information. CABIN allows partners to take their observations and make a formalized scientific assessment using nationally comparable standards. The program primarily uses the Reference Condition Approach for study design and site assessment.

A set of national CABIN protocols are used for field collection, laboratory work, and analysis of biological monitoring data. A training program is available to certify participants in the standard national protocols. Training consists of online learning modules and a field training workshop.

Upon completion of training, participants are equipped to apply the CABIN protocols to their biomonitoring studies and gain access to the national  CABIN database. The CABIN database provides partners with tools to store, manage, analyse and report on their biological monitoring data.