Get involved in citizen science waterbug count - the Macro Muster

Published on 14 May 2026

There are just two days left to register to take up your magnifying glass and waders and join in the biggest citizen science macroinvertebrate count in Australia.

Nambucca Valley Council General Manager Bede Spannagle said Council had sponsored next week’s Macro Muster 10 event, coordinated by OzGreen, as it helps to monitor the health of the Nambucca River system and connects with local schools and volunteers.

“For 3 years, Council has backed OzGreen’s Macro Muster, which counts waterbugs (macroinvertebrates) found in the Nambucca, Taylors Arm, South Arm, Buckrabendinni, Missabotti, Kalang and Bellinger rivers and creeks catchments,” he said.

“The bugs counted will be compared with past year’s counts and scientists will interpret the data and provide an analysis of our valley’s river and estuarine health.

“This information and the educational outreach activities helps to meet some of the goals in our Nambucca Coastline and Estuaries Coastal Management Program. Council’s sponsorship of this event is funded from the Environmental Levy.

“So if you have school-aged children who love nature, or if you like hanging out with citizen scientists, please register to join in the biggest bug count by COB tomorrow, Friday 15 May.”

To register for Macro Muster 10, visit here by 15 May, 5pm.

When registering you can choose which rivers and creeks you wish to visit to count waterbugs, across Thursday-Friday, 21-22 May. You will also be invited to attend the macroinvertebrate count being held at Bellingen Showground on Friday 22 May from 4pm-7.30pm. Dinner is provided.

To read Council’s Nambucca Coastline and Estuaries Coastal Management Program, visit here

ALL MEDIA ENQUIRIES TO:

Mr Bede Spannagle

GENERAL MANAGER

02 6568 2555