New citizen science project launched to help Mayo communities monitor rivers

Communities across Mayo are being invited to explore the health of their local streams and rivers through a new citizen science initiative launched today to mark World Rivers Day 2026.

The River Basin Management Service has launched new guidance and a dedicated app to help people monitor water quality using aquatic wildlife found in local waterways.

The launch took place today (Sunday, September 27), World Rivers Day, and aims to encourage families, schools, community groups and individuals to become more involved in understanding, protecting and restoring Ireland’s rivers and streams.

The new publication, A Beginner’s Guide to Water Quality Monitoring: The Citizen Science Stream Index, explains how communities can assess the health of streams by identifying tiny aquatic animals known as macroinvertebrates.

Alongside the guidance, the River Basin Management Service has developed the CSSI App, which allows citizen scientists to record, store and share their findings.

Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity Christopher O’Sullivan welcomed the initiative, saying it would help communities play a direct role in understanding the condition of local waterways.

“By making water quality monitoring more accessible, these new resources will empower communities to become active stewards of their local streams,” he said. “I encourage communities, families, schools and local groups to get involved, discover the wildlife in their local streams and play their part in protecting our rivers for generations to come.”

Anthony Coleman, Director of Services at the River Basin Management Service, said the initiative was designed to make the story of local rivers and streams accessible to everyone.

“We are giving people the tools and confidence to explore their local streams, record what they find and contribute to a growing picture of water quality across Ireland,” he said.

Small streams account for more than 75% of Ireland’s rivers and provide important habitats for aquatic life, including Atlantic salmon and brown trout. They also connect to larger rivers, lakes and the coast.

The Citizen Science Stream Index focuses on six relatively common groups of aquatic invertebrates that can be identified with limited training.

The three groups associated with healthier water are green caddisflies, flattened mayflies and stoneflies. The three groups more tolerant of pollution are leeches, water lice and snails.

By recording which groups are present, citizen scientists can build a basic picture of the biological quality of a stream. Repeated surveys can also help identify changes over time and support local efforts to improve water quality.

The guidance outlines practical steps communities can take to protect waterways, including planting vegetation along riverbanks, using nature-based solutions, reducing pesticide use and ensuring septic tanks are properly maintained.

People or community groups interested in taking part can contact local Community Water Officer Kate Wieczorkiewicz at [email protected] for advice, support and training opportunities.

Survey results should be submitted to the River Basin Management Service. The citizen science data will complement, rather than replace, statutory monitoring programmes. It will help increase local knowledge, expand the coverage of water quality observations, strengthen community engagement and assist scientists in targeting investigations and resources.

More information is available on the River Basin website.