B-IBI, which stands for "Benthic Index of Biotic Integrity," is a measure of stream health based on the type and number of various benthic invertebrates found in a sample. High-scoring streams tend to have a large variety of invertebrates. Extra points are given for species that cannot survive without clean, cool water. Low-scoring streams are generally dominated by a few species able to survive under the worst conditions. B-IBI was chosen by the Puget Sound Partnership as an indicator of stream health in the Puget Sound watershed.
Source: Puget Sound Vital Signs
Overview
The Benthic Index of Biotic Integrity (B-IBI) Implementation Strategy is designed to improve freshwater quality by analyzing the health and diversity of invertebrate populations in Puget Sound area streams.
