Abundance of submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) remained steady in 2023 in the state’s portion of Chesapeake Bay, reaching 37,770 acres, according to recently released data by the Chesapeake Bay Program and Maryland’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Surveys indicate a … Continued
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) recently announced the results of the 2024 Blue Crab Winter Dredge Survey. The annual cooperative survey estimates the number of blue crabs in the Chesapeake … Continued
In early January, aerial survey teams of pilots and biologists from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) conducted their annual population estimates of ducks, geese, and swans along the state’s Chesapeake Bay, … Continued
The 2024 Mid-winter Eagle Survey at Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge was completed recently, with promising results. Volunteers and staff counted 174 eagles during the 30-minute count period, including 114 adult bald eagles, 48 immature bald eagles, and 12 unknowns. No golden … Continued
Aquaculture researchers with the NOAA National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) Cooperative Oxford Laboratory in Oxford, Maryland, are helping the Severn River Association test cost-saving oyster restoration techniques in the Severn River. The Severn River Association was awarded funds … Continued
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) Fall Oyster Survey recorded prolific numbers and widespread distribution of juvenile oysters in Maryland waters of the Chesapeake Bay. The survey’s spatfall intensity index, a measure of reproductive success and potential population growth for … Continued
American eels and other migratory fish are returning to the upper Patapsco River following a series of dam removals. Every year scientists from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) perform field work as part of the Maryland Biological Stream … Continued
Surveys of juvenile striped bass in the Chesapeake Bay watershed found lower numbers of fish in 2023. Conducted by biologists in Maryland and Virginia, the surveys included counts of juvenile striped bass and other species in waters of the Chesapeake … Continued
In August, the NOAA Center for Operational Oceanographic Products and Services (CO–OPS) released its enhanced suite of high tide flooding products including the 2023 Annual High Tide Flooding Outlook and the new Monthly High Tide Flooding Outlook. Common in the … Continued
2022 surveys of juvenile striped bass in the Chesapeake Bay watershed yielded mixed results. Conducted by biologists in Maryland and Virginia, the surveys included counts of juvenile striped bass and other species in waters of the Chesapeake Bay. Maryland Striped Bass … Continued