Second Symposium to Support Maryland's Oyster Industry
The Strengthening Habitats with Oysters on Retrofitted & Engineered Structures (SHORES) Symposium was held virtually on February 26–27, 2025. This symposium brought together experts worldwide to discuss their successes, strategies, and challenges regarding retrofitting new and existing structures to best support oysters and increase the structures' longevity. The talks addressed a variety of ecosystem services that accompany oyster integration, including shoreline stabilization, habitat formation, and improved water quality. Each day of the symposium started with a keynote speaker, followed by 15-minute talks, a chat n’ chew poster session, and ended with a panel discussion. The SHORES Symposium was the second symposium organized by Elizabeth North, Matthew Gray, Monica Fabra, Dave Nemazie, and William Nardin to help fill key knowledge gaps to better support Maryland’s oyster industries and restoration efforts as mandated by the SB830 program by the Maryland General Assembly. Conor Keitzer and Roshni Nair of IAN supported this effort by helping organize the SHORES symposium and will continue to work on a report that summarizes the findings and discussion from the symposium.
Meet the Scientist Series: Annie Carew
Hey all, my name is Annie Carew. I'm a science communicator at UMCES Integration and Application Network. Before I came to IAN, I was a graduate student at UMCES Appalachian Laboratory studying aquatic grass restoration and genetic diversity. I have loved the natural world my whole life; my journey into science began with observing the cardinals nesting off my parents' back porch and making notes in a field journal. I'm also a voracious reader, and my favorite books express a similar love and respect for nature. I've learned to merge those two passions into one with science communication. I wrote articles for my college newspaper that summarized current scientific research. As a graduate student, I received formal science communication training from IAN staff and felt that I'd found my calling. Our work is data-driven and solution-oriented, and I believe that this is the future of science. Developing creative solutions to social and environmental challenges will require creativity and collaboration. I am constantly bolstered by the passion and determination I encounter from my coworkers and project partners. Outside of work, I am a birder, traveler, and ecofiction writer.
If you value research like Annie's, consider donating to IAN here.
Chesapeake Monitoring Cooperative Database Reaches 1 Million Water Quality Samples
The Chesapeake Data Explorer has reached one million water quality samples! This achievement reflects the efforts of all the monitoring volunteers, coordinators, waterkeepers, and partner organizations who have worked hard to collect water monitoring data all over the Chesapeake Bay watershed. The Chesapeake Monitoring Cooperative (CMC) collects and publishes this data through the Chesapeake Data Explorer for use by the Chesapeake Bay Program and state water assessments.
Join us for a Community Listening Session!
We want to hear from YOU! The Chesapeake Bay is more than just water; it’s the home, livelihood, and culture of many communities. We’re expanding the Chesapeake Bay Report Card to reflect community perspectives and concerns, socio-environmental justice, and local resilience. This is an opportunity to share your perspectives, connect with others, and help drive meaningful change.
Join us for a family-friendly event with great conversations and light refreshments on April 1st, 2025, anytime from 4-6 PM at the Chesapeake Bay Foundation headquarters in Annapolis. Your voice matters! Please register to attend here.
We are also seeking to connect with organizations working on Chesapeake Bay watershed issues from 12-3 PM on April 1st, so if you are interested in participating, please contact Vanessa Vargas-Nguyen at vvargas@umces.edu. We look forward to seeing you!