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What is the "Benthos" and What Do Benthologists Do?
The benthos refers collectively to all aquatic organisms which live on, in, or near the
bottom (substratum) of water bodies. This includes organisms inhabiting both running and
standing waters, and also applies to organisms from both saltwater and freshwater
habitats.
 The
term "phytobenthos" is used when referring to the primary producers (i.e.,
various algae and aquatic plants), whereas "zoobenthos" is applied in reference
to all consumers (i.e., benthic animals, and protozoa). "Benthic microflora"
(bacteria, fungi, and many protozoa) constitute the decomposer community, and are involved
in the recycling of essential nutrients.
 The
benthos may be further subdivided on the basis of size. Large benthic animals (those
readily visible without the use of a microscope) are collectively referred to as
macrozoobenthos or macroinvertebrates. Representatives include clams, snails, worms,
amphipods, crayfish, and the larvae of many aquatic insects (e.g., dragonflies, mayflies,
stoneflies, caddisflies, chironomid midges, and black flies.) Microscopes are essential to
discern members of the microbenthos, e.g. nematodes, ostracods.
 The benthic macroinvertebrates consume algae, coarse particulate matter (such
as fallen leaves) with its associated fungi and bacteria, fine suspended organic matter,
and prey organisms. Macroinvertebrates are part of the food supply for many fishes and
other vertebrates of lakes and streams.
Thus, the benthos encompasses a huge array of life with many phyla involved. They
inhabit such disparate habitats as the small aquaria formed in the bottom of pitcher plant
leaves, to the bottom inhabitants of the Mississippi River, the Great Lakes, and the
oceans.
 Members of the
North American Benthological Society are scientists mainly interested in freshwater
biology. These habitats include rivers, streams, temporary streams, lakes, reservoirs,
wetlands, and bogs. Benthologists study the life histories, population ecology, and
systematics of the benthos. They elucidate the community ecology of the benthos and
freshwater ecosystems and work for their conservation. In the area of applied research,
benthologists develop pollution monitoring methods and impact assessment techniques. They
study pest organisms, such as black flies, zebra mussels (a biofouling organism), and
nuisance algae to develop strategies for reducing the health or economic impacts of the
pests. Because many of the benthos are important as fish food, their study is important to
fisheries management.
Most NABS members are associated with educational institutions as faculty, students or
staff. Others are employed by government agencies where they use their benthic knowledge
for impact assessment, pollution control, and resource conservation. Some benthologists
are employed in industry, typically environmental consulting firms. They may be concerned
with biofouling by benthic organisms, environmental monitoring for permitting/licensing of
facilities, mitigation of impacts, and many varied tasks.
Many members conduct research pertaining to freshwater zoobenthos (especially aquatic
insects and molluscs), but membership is open to all. Studies of phytobenthos are
essential to understanding benthic communities, and the processes in marine benthic
communities provide important parallels to those occurring in freshwater. All persons
interested in benthic organisms are encouraged to join and to participate in the society's
activities.
History: first draft, 6/95, Todd C. Folsom
second draft, 11/96, Ian Walker and Todd C. Folsom
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