Water clarity is an important ecosystem indicator of eutrophication in Chesapeake Bay and other coastal and estuarine systems across the globe. Although a variety of measures are available to quantify light availability in water, Secchi disk depths have been the most consistent and frequent measure employed in water monitoring programs.

Read more

Nutrient reduction efforts have been undertaken in recent decades to mitigate the impacts of eutrophication in coastal and estuarine systems worldwide. To track progress in response to one of these efforts we use Generalized Additive Models (GAMs) to evaluate a diverse suite of water quality constituents over a 32-year period in the Chesapeake Bay, an estuary on the east coast of the United States.

Read more

This guide includes detailed instructions for volunteers who are using the Water Reporter platform to collect and submit data for the Chesapeake Bay SAV Watchers Introductory Monitoring Program.

Read more

The Methods Manual includes background information on SAV and the Chesapeake Bay SAV Watchers Monitoring Program, detailed protocol for the Advanced Monitoring Program (Tier 2), safety information, an updated SAV species guide, and many other resources.

Read more

A pocket-sized SAV species identification guide that also includes a field packing list, protocol reminders, and reference photos of other macrophytes. For use in the field by volunteers participating in the Chesapeake Bay SAV Watchers Introductory and Advanced Monitoring Programs. This version is designed to be viewed on a phone or computer screen.

Read more

A pocket-sized SAV species identification guide that also includes a field packing list, protocol reminders, and reference photos of other macrophytes. For use in the field by volunteers participating in the Chesapeake Bay SAV Watchers Introductory and Advanced Monitoring Programs. This version is designed for double-sided printing.

Read more

In the 3rd annual IAN Report Card, IAN staff reflected back on accomplishments from 2017. The self-assessment is based on indicators in three categories: social impacts, ecological outcomes, and partner engagement. Overall, IAN received an overall grade of B- (81%) which is down from an A- (90%) in 2016.

Read more

Low dissolved oxygen (DO) conditions are a recurring issue in waters of Chesapeake Bay, with detrimental effects on aquatic living resources. The Chesapeake Bay Program partnership has developed criteria guidance supporting the definition of state water quality standards and associated assessment procedures for DO and other parameters, which provides a binary classification of attainment or impairment.

Read more

In past report card years, specific regions throughout Chesapeake Bay have shown improving trends, but this is the first year that the overall Chesapeake Bay is showing significant improvement. Overall Chesapeake Bay Health Scores have been variable in the past. However, since 2015, Chesapeake Bay Health Scores have consistently been in the high C range (53, 54, 54). These consecutive high scores have contributed to an overall positive trajectory for the first time.

Read more

To protect the aquatic living resources of Chesapeake Bay, the Chesapeake Bay Program partnership has developed guidance for state water quality standards, which include ambient water quality criteria to protect designated uses (DUs), and associated assessment procedures for dissolved oxygen (DO), water clarity/underwater bay grasses, and chlorophyll-a. For measuring progress toward meeting the respective states' water quality standards…

Read more