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Browse History: Choptank River (2008) | Elizabeth River (2008) | James River (2008) | Lower Bay (2008)

Chesapeake Bay - Reporting Region Summary:



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Scores & Conceptual Diagram


Bay Health Index
Benthic Index of Biotic Integrity Icon
43%
C-
Lower Bay: 2008

Moderate-poor ecosystem health. Few signs of improving health after significant decline due to wet conditions in 2003.
  • Water quality: Water clarity and chlorophyll a indicators were in very poor condition in 2008. Both indicators are showing little signs of recovery after decline in 2003. 
  • Biotic Indicators: Aquatic grass distribution recovered slightly in 2008 after losses in 2006, but levels are still well below the historical maximum and goal. Both the phytoplankton and benthic community conditions scores declined in 2008 compared to 2007.

Score Legend
Locator Map
  Index/Indicator Score     Index/Indicator Score
Benthic Index of Biotic Integrity Icon Chlorophyll a
13%
  Benthic Index of Biotic Integrity Icon Aquatic grasses
42%
Benthic Index of Biotic Integrity Icon Dissolved oxygen
91%
  Benthic Index of Biotic Integrity Icon Benthic Index of Biotic Integrity
60%
Benthic Index of Biotic Integrity Icon Water clarity
7%
  Benthic Index of Biotic Integrity Icon Phytoplankton Index of Biotic Integrity
48%
 
Benthic Index of Biotic Integrity Icon Water Quality Index
37%
  Biotic Index Icon Biotic Index
50%
 
Excel Spreadsheet

Dynamic Conceptual Diagram

Editable Vector Diagram (SVG)

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