Waterways and ‘blue spaces’ are the cornerstones of urban biodiversity – they play a pivotal role in ecosystems because of their essential role in urban food-webs and filtering run-off. Importantly, they also provide refuges for wildlife across the city during times of drought.

In October 2018, a collaboration of scientific bodies including Waterwatch Victoria and Waterwatch NSW are launching the first nationwide survey of waterway biodiversity. This National Waterbug Blitz will be undertaken across Australia with the help of thousands of citizen scientists. This program is supported by the Australian Government’s Inspiring Australia Grants Program.

Hosting a National Waterbug Blitz event is an exciting first for the City of Melbourne. We’re really excited to find out about the health of our waterways - but we need your help!

Waterbugs can be used as indicators of water quality because each species has a known sensitivity to pollution or water quality. Therefore, the quality of a river, creek or wetland can be measured by the types of waterbugs they contain. In a very disturbed, poor quality waterway, only a few very hardy waterbugs (who are not sensitive to water quality) will be present. Whereas clean, high quality wetlands comprise a more diverse range of animals. Up close, waterbugs are surprisingly fascinating and easy to identify.

People can be quickly and easily taught to identify waterbugs, providing participants with a rewarding nature experience and a skill that they can continue to practice on their own.

The City of Melbourne is hosting a free seminar on Wednesday 10 October to discuss the importance of waterbugs, freshwater ecosystems, and waterway health in urban areas.

• Location: the Hellenic Museum (former Royal Mint building), 280 William Street, Melbourne.
• Time: 5.30pm to 8pm
• Date: 10 October 2018

Register for the Melbourne Waterbug BioBlitz: Science Seminar

Expert survey leaders will help groups collect waterbug samples at each survey location. To join a sampling team for this morning session, sign up to the Water Bug Bio Blitz Collection

Our waterbug bioblitz collection events will take place at four locations across the city:

• Carlton Gardens (Meeting place: public toilet block on Rathdowne St)
• Domain Parklands (Meeting place: public toilet block beside Floral Clock in Queen Victoria Gardens)
• Fitzroy Gardens (Meeting place: public toilet block in the park at the intersection of Lansdowne St and Wellington Parade)
• Royal Park (Meeting place: public toilet block next to Oak St carpark adjoining the Trin Warren Tam-boore Wetland)

Expert survey leaders will help groups collect waterbug samples at each location. Surveys will be held concurrently at four sites on the morning of Saturday 20 October (10am-11:30am). Please register for one site only.

Families and children are welcome to attend but children must be under parental supervision. Only those aged 16 years or older can enter the water to collect waterbugs. Written parental consent is required if under 18 years of age (forms will be available on the day).

In the afternoon, the Dragonfly Festival will be held at the State Netball and Hockey Centre at Royal Park to sort and identify samples from the morning session.

Join us for an afternoon of fun and learning whilst we sort and compare our waterbug samples as a group. No experience required, all identification skills will be taught on the day. Festivities will include food, refreshments, activities and family fun.

Location: Royal Park, Hockey Olympians Room, at the State Netball and Hockey Centre.

Register for the afternoon National Waterbug Blitz: Dragonfly Festival