The Ventura County Stormwater Monitoring Program also includes the Bioassessment Monitoring Program. Biological assessments (bioassessments) of water resources integrate the effects of water quality over time and are capable of simultaneously evaluating multiple aspects of water and habitat quality. When integrated with physical and chemical assessments, bioassessments help to further define the effects of point and non-point source discharges of pollutants and provide a more appropriate means for evaluating impacts of non-chemical substances, such as sedimentation and habitat alteration. A work plan for in-stream bioassessment monitoring in the Ventura River watershed was developed and submitted a s part of the revised Stormwater Management Plan. For five years, starting in 2001, bioassessment monitoring has been conducted once a year in the fall to compile a baseline data set. The bioassessment monitoring for this reporting period occurred in September 2005, and included samples collected in main streams and tributaries. This year staff participated in the multiple collection method evaluation for low gradient streams conducted through the Southern California Coastal Water Research Program (SCCWRP) Stormwater Management Coalition (SMC) Bioassessment Workgroup and the California Department of Fish and Game.Bioassessment monitoring is conducted during the fall because it is the time period during which flows are most consistent and macroinvertebrates are most productive and diverse. The fall season provides a consistent, stable environment for sampling that allows for macroinvertebrate comparability from year to year. The 2006 report is available at thepublications page on this website.