Decoding Freshwater Ecosystems Through macroinvertebrates

​SASS5 (pronounced "Sass Five") stands for the South African Scoring System. But what does it score and why? It’s a framework – a way of thinking and observation – centred around understanding how micro-invertebrates, nestled within rivers, influence the health and function of those ecosystems. Recently, Philip Dairies and Jessi Venter had the opportunity to attend the SASS5 training course offered by the Freshwater Research Centre in Cape Town. 

​These are Philips’ Reflections on the course:

"For years, I’ve been captivated by the quiet beauty and surprisingly complex world beneath the surface of our flowing rivers and streams. I spent a lot of time hiking trails, observing wildlife – but lately, my focus has shifted to something far more intimate: the tiny inhabitants that call these waterways home: macroinvertebrates. And recently, I had the privilege to attend the SASS5 training offered by the Freshwater Research Centre.

​Understanding this framework has fundamentally changed how I think about freshwater systems. This course was not just a technical course for me-it was an inspirational journey. I was drawn to the data generated from these systems – the shifts in water chemistry, the surprising biodiversity, and the ever-present evidence of life teeming beneath the surface. I had always been interested in understanding why things happened, not just how. The idea of uncovering a hidden language through these tiny creatures was very compelling. 

​Aquatic macroinvertebrates are the workhorses of freshwater ecosystems. They’re constantly cycling nutrients and playing a surprisingly vital role in food webs. But what truly struck me was how knowing them wasn't just about collecting data; it was about experiencing the system through their eyes. It wasn't just observing them; it was actively listening – and learning through interaction with others who were equally fascinated by these tiny worlds."

What is SASS5

The SASS5 system is an empirical, carefully designed and refined methodology used to provide a scientific and credible assessment of the status or health of a river by means of examining the aquatic macroinvertebrates found in a particular reach of river. Each taxon of the macro-invertebrates (up to family level) is assigned a quality score, based on its susceptibility or resistance to pollution. The lowest scores are assigned to the resistant taxa and the highest score to those susceptible to pollution and habitat disturbances.

Philip explained that the SASS5 training wasn’t about complex equations or sophisticated instrumentation. Rather, it centered on a core principle: understanding what small aquatic creatures reveal about the health of their environment. He noted that the training emphasised observation, pattern recognition, and developing a holistic understanding of ecosystems at a microscopic level. It equipped him with tools to better interpret these systems. Philip also highlighted the value of conversations with other learners—not just data discussions, but shared experiences, probing questions, and the realisation that diverse perspectives often led to deeper insights.

Interested in SASS5

There’s something truly rewarding about the journey to becoming an accredited SASS5 practitioner. For Jessi and Philip, it's not just about certification—it’s about spending meaningful time by the river, learning from the incredible freshwater invertebrates that tell the story of ecosystem health.

At the Grootvadersbosch Conservancy, we’re proud to already have three accredited practitioners on our team (plus Neli who is almost there!). We love mentoring and supporting new staff members through the accreditation process, and we're always excited to welcome others who share this passion.

If you’re interested in becoming accredited, we recommend contacting the FRC to complete the SASS5 course. Once you've completed it, reach out to us! You’ll have the chance to join our monitoring sessions across more than 50 sites. The key to success? Practice, practice, practice.

To support your journey, we also highly recommend getting a copy of the SASS5 handbook by Christian Fry—a fantastic resource that we were proud to be involved with.
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Let’s work together to protect our freshwater ecosystems—one sample at a time.