This is the third annual West & Rhode Rivers report card. It presents data and information on eight different ecological health indicators. In 2010, new analysis methods were used that were developed in collaboration with the Mid-Atlantic Tributary Assessment Coalition (MTAC), but the findings still remain consistent with the past two years.

This newsletter is the 5th annual South River Scorecard. It presents data and information on six water quality indicators, a human health indicator, an enforcement indicator, and two descriptive indicators. The scorecard also includes information on actions that citizens can take to help improve the health of the South River.

This report card is an assessment of the aquatic health of the Magothy River, and is based on data collected by the Magothy River Association and various partners. It reports the status of vital habitats and water quality in the Magothy during 2010 based on three different indicators.

This is the first annual Sassafras River Report Card. The report card summarizes ecosystem health of the tidal (estuary) and non-tidal (creeks) areas within the Sassafras watershed during 2009. It also introduces readers to the special qualities of the Sassafras and offers information on how to get involved and help maintain the health and beauty of the river.

The first comprehensive Nanticoke River Report Card shows good news, giving overall health of the river a "B-minus." The report card, based on data collected by volunteer Nanticoke Creekwatchers, is designed to help local residents better understand the health of the Nanticoke River. From April through November, more than 30 volunteers monitor water quality at 37 sites across the 725,000-acre watershed.

The aim of this report card is to provide a transparent, timely, and geographically detailed assessment of 2009 Coastal Bays health. Coastal Bays health is defined as the progressof four water quality indicators (TN, TP, Chl a, DO) and two biotic indicators (seagrass, hard clams) toward scientifically derived ecological thresholds or goals. The six indicators are combined into one overarching Coastal Bays Health Index, which is presented as the report card score.

This report card summarizes 2009 water quality results, which are based on data collected by the Chester River Association and various partners. It helps to clarify the Chester River's health in both tidal and non-tidal regions, and provides information on what individuals can do to help improve water quality.

This report card provides a transparent, timely, and geographically detailed assessment of 2009 Chesapeake Bay habitat health. The overall health of Chesapeake Bay, assessed using water quality and biotic indicators, was the best it has been since 2002. The overall grade improved from C- in 2008 to C in 2009. Eight reporting regions had improved grades in 2009, four were unchanged, and two had slightly worse grades.

This report card is an assessment of the aquatic health of the Magothy River, which are based on data collected by the Magothy River Association and various partners. It reports the status of vital habitats and water quality in the Magothy during 2009 based on three different indicators.

This report card provides a transparent, timely, and geographically detailed assessment of 2008 Coastal Bays’ health. Prepared annually, the report card rates six reporting regions of the Coastal Bays, using six indicators combined into a single overarching index of health. Health is defined as progress towards established scientifically derived ecological thresholds or goals. The overall health of Coastal Bays was moderate in 2008, obtaining a grade of C+.