Submerged Aquatic Vegetation (SAV) scientists and managers rely on data collected by volunteers to study SAV and assess conservation and restoration needs. Although various citizen science initiatives currently survey SAV in the Chesapeake Bay, no standardized data collection protocol exists to ensure that all of these initiatives use the same methodology or collect the same data. More consistent and detailed data- for example information about SAV density and diversity, water quality, and shoreline type- would enhance the ability of scientists and managers to study and protect this important resource. This project established a standard SAV monitoring protocol and a certification training program for citizen scientists, ensuring that data collected by trained volunteers meets research, management, and conservation needs. IAN partnered with volunteer monitoring coordinators and expert scientific researchers to develop this protocol and training program and produce a monitoring manual, standardized data collection sheets, a series of training videos, and a pocket field guide.