Submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV)—also known as underwater grass—plays an essential role in the Bay ecosystem.SAV is sensitive to both positive and negative changes in water quality, and scientists and mangers often look at the status of SAV as an indicator of overall Bay health. Because SAV is such an important component of the Bay ecosystem, the Chesapeake Bay Program (CBP) and its partners have remained committed to its restoration since the CBP was first established in 1983. Aerial surveys provide useful information on the location and density of SAV beds throughout the Bay, but it does not provide local-scale data on SAV species diversity or habitat conditions. For this reason, scientists have asked volunteers for help collecting more widespread, coordinated and detailed SAV data, which could inform new, targeted restoration efforts and management decisions that help us reach our SAV restoration target sooner. This is where you come in…
During this 2-hour training, Brook Landry, a Natural Resource Biologist with the MD Dept. of Natural Resources and Chair of the Ches. Bay Program’s Submerged Aquatic Vegetation Workgroup, will equip you with the knowledge you need to participate as a SAV Watcher. If you are a canoer, kayaker or boater, your time on the water can now help the Bay.