And NOAA provides funding to support the hatchery production of baby oysters. NOAA scientists conduct sonar surveys and develop habitat analysis to guide projects and monitor progress. NOAA experts lead workgroups that develop and implement restoration work. NOAA works with other agencies and organizations to restore oyster reefs in Maryland and Virginia waters of the Chesapeake Bay. As a result of disease, overfishing, degraded water quality, and other problems, only about 1–2 percent of the historic native oyster population remains. Oyster reefs support not only the ecosystem, but the economy. They filter and remove excess nutrients like nitrogen from the water and they grow in reefs that provide habitat for fish and crabs. Oysters are an important part of the Chesapeake Bay. We also use data from NOAA satellites to understand the effects of water temperature, sediment, and water clarity on habitat. It is used by scientists, marine safety organizations, boaters, teachers and students, and others who want to learn more about the Chesapeake. Data from the buoys is updated every six minutes. NOAA manages a set of observation buoys-the Chesapeake Bay Interpretive Buoy System-that tracks data on water quality as well as meteorological and oceanographic conditions. Sonar can show where there gravelly bottom sturgeon prefer for egg laying is located, and then resource managers can protect those areas. This is vital for the recovery of this endangered species. NOAA scientists also track the progress of restored reefs by surveying these areas 3 and 6 years after restoration.ĭata from sonar is also helping NOAA's work on Atlantic sturgeon by identifying critical habitat including potential spawning grounds. This information can help ensure that oyster reef restoration projects are sited where they can succeed-for example, by making sure the bottom is hard enough so that newly constructed reefs won't sink into the mud. We use sonar equipment to gather data and then our experts analyze what is found at the bottom of the Bay and its tributaries. Fish and other species are affected by water quality, temperature, and other conditions.Īs part of NOAA's efforts to protect and restore a variety of habitats, we conduct science to make restoration as effective and efficient as possible. Healthy habitats provide food and shelter for these species, which include fish, crabs, and oysters. The Chesapeake Bay and its watershed provide habitat for more than 3,600 species of plants and animals. Current projects explore summer flounder, black sea bass, and the forage species and habitats they need to thrive. Recent projects have worked to quantify the ecosystem and economic benefits that restored oyster reefs bring to the ecosystem. This grant competition supports researchers who explore topics to find answers that fishery managers need. To support advancement of fisheries science, we manage the Chesapeake Bay Fisheries Research Program. It also tackles emerging challenges, like the invasive blue catfish population and the effects these voracious eaters may have on the ecosystem. This team supports the blue crab fishery by issuing an annual Blue Crab Advisory Report that discusses the state of the blue crab population in the Bay. One way we do this is by leading the Chesapeake Bay Program's Sustainable Fisheries Goal Implementation Team, bringing experts together to talk about fisheries science. This supports ecosystem-based fisheries management in the complex and dynamic Chesapeake Bay. But we do play an active role in ensuring the most up-to-date science is available to resource managers and decision makers around the Bay. NOAA does not manage fisheries in the Chesapeake Bay that work is handled by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Virginia Marine Resources Commission, and Potomac River Fisheries Commission. The Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries are also home to species that people do not harvest for food, including the endangered Atlantic sturgeon.
Blue crab, oysters, and striped bass are some of the Chesapeake's treasured species. It is a source for both commercial and recreational harvest. The Chesapeake is home to 348 species of finfish and 173 species of shellfish. As long as humans have lived near the Chesapeake, they have enjoyed eating seafood from the Bay.
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