Hannah C
I thought Brian was an excellent instructor. I do not feel there should be any changes. He gave the group may opportunities to ask questions as well as test our knowledge. Everything was very valuable for me.
What We Do at MBI - Our Services
At MBI, we specialize in monitoring aquatic ecosystems and offering expert biological assessments. We believe that, by using the best scientific methods, we can accomplish significant improvements in our environment and ensure a legacy of clean water for future generations.
Our Work Across the United States
While MBI is located in the Midwest U.S., our work is nationwide.
This includes:
- Regional projects in the New England states.
- Participation in the U.S. EPA National Aquatic Resource Surveys since 2003.
- Completion of state program reviews in 28 states.
- Participation in national workgroups sponsored by Federal Agency and Regional organizations.
- Program reviews for 3 Federal Labs and multiple Tribes.
Our Professional Services
MBI offers a wide range of professional services including biological and habitat assessments and water quality monitoring.
Our expert team is dedicated to providing innovative, science-driven solutions to support sustainable resource management and conservation efforts.
Watershed Monitoring Bioassessment & Surveys
We conduct monitoring of rivers and streams to assess the effects of pollution. It's like being a detective for waterways, it helps ensure that our water is clean and safe, and allows us to identify where there are stressors that are affecting a waterbody.
Taxonomic Identification
Our expert taxonomists are certified as Level 3 Qualified Data Collectors under the Ohio Credible Data Program, and are able to accurately identify aquatic macroinvertebrate and fish samples.
Policy Review
We have decades of experience in state and federal water quality and water pollution control laws and regulations. MBI actively comments on Ohio EPA rules and state and federal policies dealing with water quality and water pollution, with preserving and maintaining biological integrity being the ultimate goal. We provide this expertise to local, state, and federal agencies and regulated entities.
Data Analysis
We conduct complex data analysie in support of biological and water quality management needs. This includes data reviews, analyses for setting watershed priorities, stream restoration projects, and impact assessments for a wide range of environmental stressors (e.g., nutrients, toxicants, habitat, etc.).
State Program Reviews
As a contractor to U.S. EPA, we developed the State Program Review process in 2002 via a pilot program with the six states in EPA Region V. This led to conducting reviews in 28 states with 13 receiving follow-up reviews to document progress toward the ultimate goal of developing biological criteria and refined aquatic life uses. Reviews are done by invitation of a state either on their own or as facilitated by U.S. EPA.
Training & Courses
MBI offers a selection of high quality courses for professionals and community/ citizen scientists, for anyone interested in increasing their knowledge and skills in aquatic resource ecology and evaluation. We can even cater a course to the individual needs of your group.
Our Reviews
See What Others Are Saying
Hannah C
I felt the content and scope were very relevant to learning and understanding ORAM methodology.
Mitchell M
This training directly touched on all the topics within the ORAM form with which I had questions about, and provided me with the necessary tools to more accurately score wetlands.
Michael R
MBI's ORAM course is extremely in-depth and provides clarity for some of the more objective assessment criteria, as well as a great experience in the field.
Nick V
I thought it was very well done and covered all ORAM caveats.
Rick N
Excellent, fun and educational
Kristy S
The content of the course was perfect for the projects that our company completes
Lisa B
MBI's PHWH course made me more comfortable and confident assessing primary headwater streams and using the HHEI to score streams.
Anonymous
Fantastic! The training did a great job of preparing me to identify and analyze all the various conditions that can be present in a headwater stream, and
Allie E
Thorough, great practice and good mix of hands on vs in classroom training
Anonymous
The training was great! The field portion was especially great
Our Frequently Asked Questions
Questions About What We Do
All aquatic life needs oxygen to survive. Dissolved oxygen is the amount of oxygen that dissolves in water. Typically, levels higher than 5 mg/l are sustainable for survival in Ohio streams.
Because it varies by course, this information as well as complete course instructions are available when you view your order. Simply go to “My Account”, and click on view.
You can donate to MBI by visiting our donation page on our website. We accept various payment methods, including credit/debit cards and PayPal. You can also donate by check by mailing to: Midwest Biodiversity Institute, 4673 Northwest Parkway, Hilliard, OH 43026.
If you would like to donate stock, goods, services, or even your time, please contact MBI’s Executive Director Trent Dougherty at tdougherty@mwbinst.com.
Chemical testing to identify specific concentrations of different parameters such as dissolved oxygen, biochemical oxygen demand, nutrients, pH, total hardness, metals, pesticides, temperature, and turbidity. This is important because it can determine if water can sustain aquatic life and can also help identify point source pollution or from polluted runoff.
Habitat alterations, land use changes, and various pollutants can and do impact
fishes and their assemblages.