News Summary
The 2024 Submerged Aquatic Vegetation Survey reveals a 1% decline in overall SAV coverage in Chesapeake Bay, despite growth in saline zones. Areas like the Polyhaline Zone and Tidal Fresh Zone show positive increases in eelgrass and other SAV species. However, the mid-Bay Mesohaline Zone faces a 14% decline due to increased freshwater inputs affecting nutrient levels. The Chesapeake Bay Program is considering revising recovery goals for SAV, aiming for increased targets by 2035, reflecting ongoing efforts in underwater habitat restoration.
Chesapeake Bay, Maryland – The 2024 Submerged Aquatic Vegetation (SAV) Survey has revealed both positive trends and concerns regarding the bay’s underwater plant life. Conducted by researchers from William & Mary’s Batten School and the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS), the survey showed a 1% decline in overall SAV coverage, translating to a loss of 641 acres annually. The total estimated SAV coverage in Chesapeake Bay now stands at 82,778 acres.
Despite the overall decline, the survey indicated encouraging gains in saline regions of the Bay. In particular, the Polyhaline Zone experienced a record high coverage of 24,800 acres, marking a robust 14% increase from 2023, representing the highest levels of SAV coverage recorded since mapping began in 1984. This growth was mainly attributed to resurgence in eelgrass populations, which had faced significant losses in past years. Enhanced water clarity has allowed eelgrass to thrive in depths of 8-9 feet at low tide.
Further positive developments were noted in the Tidal Fresh Zone, where SAV coverage increased 2% to reach 20,218 acres, achieving 98% of its target coverage. The Oligohaline Zone also reported significant gains, with a 38% increase from 3,422 acres to 4,730 acres, reaching 46% of its coverage target. This increase reflects improved health in several tributaries, notably the Sassafras, Gunpowder, and upper Potomac River.
In contrast, the mid-Bay Mesohaline Zone, which is the largest region of the bay, experienced a troubling decline of 14%, dropping from 38,371 acres to 33,031 acres. This area only met 27% of its substantial target of 120,306 acres. The decrease in this zone is closely linked to increased freshwater inputs that have heightened nutrient loads and reduced salinity levels, significantly affecting the health of SAV. Notable losses were specifically observed along Maryland’s Eastern Shore, particularly in the Choptank River, Little Choptank River, and Tangier Sound.
Brooke Landry, chair of the Chesapeake Bay Program’s SAV Workgroup, highlighted the evidence of resilience in the Bay’s underwater grasses, indicating signs of recovery despite continuing environmental pressures. The VIMS SAV Monitoring and Restoration program, in place since 1978, has led to more than a doubling of underwater grass coverage in the Bay, largely credited to nutrient reduction initiatives led by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
The ecological importance of SAV cannot be overstated. These underwater plants serve critical roles in providing habitat for various species, protecting shorelines, controlling erosion, filtering nutrients, and sequestering carbon. Recent findings suggest a noticeable shift from eelgrass to widgeon grass as the dominant SAV species, likely driven by long-term warming trends impacting the estuarine ecosystem.
In light of the survey results, the Chesapeake Bay Program is considering revisions to the recovery goals for SAV, potentially increasing the Bay-wide SAV target from 185,000 to 196,000 acres. An interim target of 95,000 acres by 2035 has also been proposed. Public comments regarding the draft of the revised Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement are currently open until September 1.
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Additional Resources
- Pilot Online: Chesapeake Bay Chemicals
- Wikipedia: Chesapeake Bay
- 13 News Now: William & Mary Batten School
- Google Search: Chesapeake Bay
- Chesapeake Bay Magazine: Dining Deals
- Google Scholar: Chesapeake Bay SAV
- Pilot Online: Federal Bill for Chesapeake Bay
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Chesapeake Bay
- WYDaily: New Marine Sciences Building
- Google News: Chesapeake Bay Environment
Author: STAFF HERE WILLIAMSBURG WRITER
WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER The WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWilliamsburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Williamsburg, James City County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Williamsburg Farmers Market, Yorktown Market Days, and Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce and Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, plus leading businesses in education and hospitality that power the local economy such as College of William & Mary, The Williamsburg Winery, and Sodexo. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREVirginiaBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Virginia's dynamic landscape.
