Maryland Coastal Bays Program Protecting Today's Treasures for Tomorrow
9919 Stephen Decatur Highway, Suite 4 ~ Ocean City, Maryland 21842
Phone: 410-213-BAYS ~ Fax: 410-213-2574
Email: mcbp@mdcoastalbays.org
Tall waterEducation
Mini Grant Projects

The following is a list of project done using funds from the Maryland Coastal Bays Mini Grant Program. The projects selected demonstrate management approaches which will help safeguard the environmental integrity of the coastal bays. These "Early Action Projects" will restore natural areas or experiment with new field management techniques for preventing or controlling harmful impacts to the bays. A third of the projects deal with the protection or restoration of submerged aquatic vegetation, a vital nursery for fish, shellfish and crustaceans. All projects have an educational component.

Projects:

Stephen Decatur Middle School Friendly Courtyard Garden

Author: Evan Hudson, Stephen Decatur Middle School, Berlin MD 21811, 410-641-2846.
Please come and visit the Stephen Decatur Middle School's Friendly Courtyard Garden project.

The EARTH Club at Stephen Decatur Middle School took on the task of converting a bare courtyard into an area of beauty and a celebration of nature. The plant species are native to the area and all materials are chemical-free. Club members began this project last year by researching the types of plants that are indigenous to our area and the care that they would require. The space was planned on paper prior to planting, which began in the spring. A pond is our most recent addition, which will eventually include fish and water plants. Bird feeders and houses are planned for the future, as well as a trellis surrounding the media center window. Benches have also been provided for an outdoor learning area or just enjoying nature.

This project would not have been possible without the Coastal Bays program and the RC&D Council. We are thankful for the opportunity to contribute to our school and, in the process, educate ourselves about the environment.

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Submerged Aquatic Vegetation Preservation and Restoration in Maryland's Coastal Bays

Author: Harry Womack, Salisbury State University - School of Science, Salisbury MD, 410-543-6492, womack@ssu.edu.
Maryland Coastal Bays are an important recreational, commercial, and environmental asset to the entire Mid-Atlantic region. Through they once supported a healthy, diverse biological community, they have come upon hard times, at least in part due to the demise of Submerged Aquatic Vegetation, SAV, in these vital biomes. The purpose of these studies was to locate the existing SAV beds in the Coastal Bays, distinguish characteristics of areas supporting SAV vs. those not supporting SAV, determine the effects of clamming on extant SAV beds, and to transplant vegetation into areas where SAV does not currently exist.

The beds were tentatively identified using Orth's (1986) aerial photography of the Coastal Bays. We conducted our own overflights and photographed the Coastal Bay SAV in the Summer and Fall of 1998. In addition we sampled, by direct and laboratory observations, areas throughout the Coastal Bays to determine the species and density of SAV, and the water column and bottom characteristics of SAV bearing and nonbearing areas. Our studies observed commercial clamming and boating and the nature and extent of damage from them upon SAV beds. These observations were used in developing recommendations for legislation restricting clamming from certain areas of the Coastal Bays, and ongoing studies will determine the efficacy of that regulation.

Our results indicate that SAV is returning to the Coastal Bays. We noted the expansion of existing beds, movement of Zostera into areas previously dominated by Ruppia, found previously unidentified beds, and noted the difference between distribution of SAV in the early summer and early Fall. We noted the primary factors affecting SAV distribution in the upper and lower Coastal Bays, and the difference between the two as well as the influence of SAV upon the areas which contained it.

From these observation we identified the most promising areas for SAV transplanting efforts, conducted experimental planting on those sites, developed a set of recommendations for minimizing damage to SAV beds, and identified areas for consideration of future SAV transplantation.

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Protection of Seagrasses in Isle of Wight Bay

Authors: Dave Goshorn, Cathy Wazniak, Tom Parham, Mike Naylor, and Lee Karrh. Tidewater Ecosystem Assessment Division, Maryland Department of Natural Resources, 580 Taylor Ave., D-2; Annapolis MD 21601, 410-260-8630, dgoshorn@dnr.state.md.us.

Seagrasses provide a number of important ecological functions in the bays from protecting young fish and crabs to adding oxygen to the water. In the 1930s, eelgrass along the east coast of the U.S. were virtually eliminated by disease. Although seagrass beds have been reestablishing in Maryland's coastal bays, expansion to historical distribution may be limited by many factors including increased nutrient runoff from land as well as physical impacts from recreational boating and commercial fishing activities. During 1997, boat propellor scarring was identified as a potentially significant factor impacting seagrass in the northern Isle of Wight Bay. The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of intense recreational boating activities on seagrass beds in Isle of Wight Bay and evaluate management strategies for seagrass protection.

During 1998, aerial surveys were flown during June and September to determine the extent of propellor scarring in the study area south of the Rt. 90 bridge. Intense scarring was evident in both aerial surveys. Scar widths as measured by divers ranged from 0.7 to 1.2 meters in both eelgrass and widgeon grass beds, suggesting that they are probably due to hydraulic clam dredging. Groundtruthing determined that eelgrass (Zostera marina) was the most abundant species in June and that widgeon grass (Ruppia maritina) and eelgrass were both abundant in September. Aerial photos flown in September revealed that some scars in widgeon grass beds had filled in with vegetation between June and September.

In order to reduce the impacts of recreational propeller scarring, we are currently meeting with the MD Natural Resources Police to identify areas that may benefit from the placement of sensitive area buoys early in the spring of 1999. A fact sheet is being developed to educate the boating community about the importance these sensitive areas. Two additional aerial surveys will be done in 1999 to determine the extent of scarring (the recovery of eelgrass beds and additoional damage to seagrass beds caused by the 1998 clam fishery).


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Wave Exposure and Sediment Characteristics as Habitat Requirements for Eelgrass in Chincoteague Bay

Authors: Evamarie W. Koch and Carina Chiscano. University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, Horn Point Laboratory, P.O. Box 775, Cambridge,MD 21613, (410) 221-8418, koch@hpl.umces.edu.

The distribution of the seagrass Zostera marina (eelgrass) in Chincoteague Bay is restricted mostly to the eastern side. Two hypotheses were suggested to explain this distribution: sediment characteristics and wave exposure. The objectives of the study were to test these hypotheses. Wave exposure was calculated for eight sites within Chincoteague Bay (four on each side).

Sediment characteristics, plant density and epiphytic biomass were also determined for these sites. Sediment was moved from the unvegetated western side to the well-colonized eastern side and eelgrass was transplanted into both sediment types. The results suggest that eelgrass distribution in Chincoteague Bay is not a direct function of wave exposure. This parameter was highest on the eastern side of Chincoteague Bay where most eelgrass is found. Based on the tendency (statistically not significant) of eelgrass to grow slower in the very fine sediments of the western shore of Chincoteague Bay, sediment characteristics may be limiting to eelgrass growth. Further studies with larger number of replicates the and/or longer periods of acclimation to the sediments may be required before a definite conclusion can be reached. A clear pattern was observed in the epiphytic biomass on eelgrass leaves: it was highest at low wave exposures and decreased exponentially with increasing wave exposure. Since the smallest wave energy is found on the western side of Chincoteague Bay, the plants which are reappearing in this area are also the ones which have the highest epiphytic load. Therefore, epiphytes (a function of wave energy) and sediments may both be affecting the distribution of eelgrass in Chincoteague Bay: on the western side the sediment is very fine and the coastline is eroding which leads to higher light attenuation. Additionally, the plants found in this area also have a high epiphytic load. Both of these processes reduce light available to eelgrass and may be limiting the colonization of the western shore. This is the first time that it has been shown for seagrasses growing in this area that epiphytes on the leaves depend on wave exposure. This has serious consequences when considering that the growth of epiphytes is usually related to nutrient concentration and not to wave exposure. In this study it has become evident that wave exposure can override nutrient concentration when it comes to epiphytic growth. Therefore, the western shore of Chincoteague Bay may be more susceptible to problems associative with eutrophication then the eastern shore. In summary, due to the results of this study, wave exposure and sediment characteristics should be taken into consideration when managing shallow coastal seagrass habitats.

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Coordination of Nutrient Enrichment with Seagrass Growth: Coupling Research and Education

Authors: Laura Murray, Pat Chambers*, Stephanie Miller*, Brian Sturgis and Georgia Dendrinos. University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, Horn Point Laboratory, P.O. Box 775, Cambridge,MD 21613, (410) 221-8418, murray@hpl.umces.edu. *Stephen Decatur Middle School, Berlin, MD 21 , 410-641-2846, chambers@shore.intercom.net

The project was divided into three parts. The first part of the research dealt with trying to determine the signature of water quality on sediments. The second part of the research looked for the signature of water quality and epiphytic growth on living plants. Epiphytes are anything that collects on the plants submerged in the bay. The epiphytes can be plants, such as algae, animals, such as worms, or bay floor sediments. The third part of this research involved looking for the signature of water quality and epiphytic growth on artificial substrates. The artificial substrates were ribbons, (used in wrapping presents), tied to plastic grids.

The research took place in the Chincoteague Bay. Five sites were chosen from areas that had lush grass beds to those sites near agricultural areas revealing no grass growth. Three grids containing artificial substrates were placed at all five of the sites. The site was marked and left for a period of 10 to 14 days. On two occasions we took three to five samples of each plant, substrate (ribbon), and soil. Dr. Murray hoped to discover that epiphytic growth on the artificial substrates would match that of the growth on living plants. We hoped we could use these artificial substrates at sites having no plants to monitor water quality.

As I was responsible for analyzing the living plants, I would scrap all the epiphytes off the leaves of plants. The collected epiphytes are filtered for chlorophyll and ash free dry weight. The surface area of the leaf is determined. Using an entire plant, I separated it into the roots and the shoots. Bothparts are completely dried and weighed. The plant material is ground up to be tested for carbon and nitrogen. Sound waves are used to break up the filter paper holding the chlorophyll sample.

We found that we can use artificial substrates in areas with little or no grasses to help monitor water quality. This leads to a wonderful classroom application. Our school has adopted two streams that have no obvious signs of grasses. We plan to use ribbons to make grids and perform our own research. Students will collect and analyze the data. Mr. Sturgis has agreed to allow our students use of the lab facilities at Horn Point. I firmly believe students will become just as excited as I was to see REAL science at work. I was continually amazed at how much I was learning this summer. More importantly, I am motivated to share with my students the experiences and knowledge attained from the summer internship. As a middle school teacher, I always strive to make science fun. I learned I did not have to make it fun, it is fun.

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Groundwater Flow and Nitrate-Nitrogen Inputs to Maryland's Coastal Bays

Authors: Jon Dillow, Earl Greene and Judy Denver, United States Geologic Survey, jjdillow@usgs.gov, eagreene@usgs.gov, jmdenver@usgs.gov

Nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, are essential for plant growth. In the subsurface environment phosphorus tends to attach to soil particles, while nitrogen tends to dissolve in, and move with, ground water. An abundant supply of nitrogen from sources such as agriculture (fertilizer and manure), commercial and residential development, atmospheric deposition, and point-source discharges (wastewater treatment and industrial) can cause excessive nitrogen loadings in Maryland's coastal bays. The excessive nitrogen loadings lead to significantly increased growth of phytoplankton and algae in the bays, which can harm the bays' ecosystem directly by blocking sunlight to seagrasses and indirectly by removing dissolved oxygen from the water when dead phytoplankton and algae sink to the bay bottom and decompose. These effects are part of the process of eutrophication, currently one of the bays' most important environmental problems.

Nitrogen is usually found in ground water in the form of nitrate-nitrogen. The magnitude of nitrate-nitrogen loadings to the bays from ground water has been identified as a major data gap that warrants immediate attention. Knowledge of the amount and distribution of nitrate-nitrogen entering the bays from ground-water flow, compared to that entering from surface-water flow and atmospheric deposition, is needed to identify areas where water-quality monitoring and nitrate-nitrogen management can benefit the water quality of the bays.

This study developed estimates of direct ground-water-discharge of nitrate-nitrogen loadings into the bays by calculating the flux of ground water into the bays and determining the concentration distribution of nitrate-nitrogen in the surficial aquifer. The study assumed that all significant ground-water contributions to nitrate-nitrogen loadings in the bays came from the surficial (Columbia) aquifer, located at depths ranging from land surface to a maximum depth of approximately 130 feet below mean sea level. The regional flow of ground water in the study area is from northwest to southeast, essentially from the Berlin scarp to the bays and the Atlantic Ocean. Ground-water-nitrate-nitrogen-concentration data collected between 1981 and 1997 from domestic wells within the bays' watershed were compiled to define the distribution of nitrate-nitrogen in ground water.

The flux of ground water entering the bays from the surficial aquifer was determined using topographic and hydrographic data and standard hydrologic analytical (flow net) techniques. The analysis identified which areas of the watershed provide direct ground-water flow to the bays, and the ground-water flux was calculated based on the assumption of 12 inches per year of recharge from precipitation. From this data the estimated average annual potential direct loading of nitrate-nitrogen was calculated to be approximately 4,850 lbs/ mi2 distributed over the 56 mi2 area of Maryland's coastal bays.

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Mosquito Control using Starch

Authors: Barry Pittendrigh and Harold Laskowski,USFWS, Prime Hook Wildlife Refuge, Rd#3, Box 195 Milton, Delaware brpitten@students.wisc.edu

We investigated the potential role of carbohydrates in the control of mosquitoes. Specifically, we tested modified starches (modified with fatty acids) for their ability to form a temporary layer at the air-water interface which is capable of preventing the mosquito larvae and pupae in the water below from breathing air. Thus, in the presence of this temporary layer the immature mosquitoes suffocate. It is hoped that such a class of compounds may ultimately be useful in commercial mosquito control in areas that are ecologically sensitive to second generation pesticides.

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Community Bayscapes Project, South Point

Authors: Britt Slattery and Dave Wilson*, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, STREET ADDRESS, Annapolis MD 21401, 410-573-4581, britt_slattery@mail.fws.gov , *Maryland Coastal Bays Program, 9609 Stephen Decatur Highway, Berlin MD 21811, 410-213-BAYS.

BayScapes is a program developed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, USFWS, and the Alliance for Chesapeake Bay to promote citizen action in reducing nutrient inputs and other threats to water quality. The USFWS focuses on developing highly visible model projects and programs to spread the practice of BayScaping to an ever-increasing constituency.

BayScapes projects have been and continue to be created on individual properties to encourage the development of environmentally sound landscapes that benefit people, wildlife, the Chesapeake Bay, and other important watersheds like the coastal bays. USFWS is now working to develop projects on a larger scale in order to produce more significant, measurable environmental outcomes. New or existing residential developments or communities are a priority target for this initiative, because of the potential to reduce direct sources of adverse impacts, concentrate benefits on specific sub-watersheds, involve large numbers of citizens, and utilize the strength and structure of local groups to mobilize BayScapes into a landscape-scale pollution solution. The first pilot community BayScape project is underway in South Point, a community in Berlin, MD, in MD*s Coastal Bays watershed. This program includes developing and installing model projects, training community members to plan and develop BayScapes, assisting them in creating a coordinated community BayScaping plan, and conducting outreach strategies to encourage similar action in other communities in the Coastal Bays watershed.

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Bay Scallops Restoration in Chincoteague Bay

Authors: Mark Homer and Mitch Tarnowski, MD Department of Natural Resources, Fisheries Service, PO Box 653, Solomons Island, MD 20688, 410-326-1417.

Over 60 years ago, the bay scallop (Argopecten irradians) disappeared from Chincoteague Bay soon after a disease virtually wiped out eelgrass (Zostera marina) beds in the region. Although eelgrass has since repopulated a substantial portion of Chincoteague Bay, bay scallop populations have not recovered.

In 1996, Maryland's Department of Natural Resources' Shellfish Monitoring Program initiated investigations into restoring the bay scallop in Chincoteague Bay. Scallops require vertical structure such as seagrasses for settlement to avoid suffocation from silt and as a predator refuge during early stages and salinities over 20 ppt along with clean, hard packed sand substrate throughout its life cycle. Such conditions were found to now exist in a number of areas along the east side of Chincoteague Bay. That same year, the Shellfish Monitoring Program applied for and received funding from NOAA's Fishing Industry Grant (FIG) Program to begin a bay scallop restoration project.

In October 1997, 533,000 seed bay scallops were purchased from a hatchery and transplanted to Chincoteague Bay. The 8 mm bivalves were placed into 80' x 80' predator exclusion pens constructed in about 3' of water over seagrass beds. By mid-November, the scallops had tripled in size and survivorship exceeded 85%. Overwintering mortality, usually substantial throughout its geographical range, was relatively minor, on the order of 25-30%. In May 1998, histological evidence of spawning was found in the transplanted scallops with subsequent collection of larvae in the water column. The initial spawn continued through early August with a second reproductive event occurring in late September. Spat collector bags have been deployed to catch the setting larval scallops and will be retrieved in November. In addition, the seagrass beds will be surveyed for juvenile scallops using a non-destructive suction sampler.

The original FIG grant provided for two years of scallop seedings. The second year is to be supplemented with a Maryland Coastal Bays Program mini-grant, allowing the planting of over 700,000 seed bay scallops in total with an average length of 20 mm. The larger size should enhance survivorship and reproductive effort next summer. Three additional 100' x 100' exclosures, in proximity to the first pens, have been constructed to protect the young scallops. Baited crab pots were placed within the pens to further control and monitor predators.

The combined reproductive effort of the protected scallops along with the progeny of last year's planting presumably will overwhelm predation pressure sufficiently to allow a self-sustaining population of bay scallops to become established, marking the return of this ecologically and economically important species to Chincoteague Bay.

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Aquatic Plant Communities as Indicators of Nutrients in the Maryland Coastal Bays

Authors: Margaret McGinty, Dave Goshorn, Chris Millard, Bill Rodney, Dan Ostrowski, Calvin Jordan and Kevin Coyne. Maryland Department of Natural Resources, 580 Taylor Avenue, D-2 Annapolis, MD 21401. 410-260-8637, mmcginty@dnr.state.md.us.

As part of a cooperative project with the University of Delaware, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources is conducting sampling for nutrients and aquatic vegetation. The hypothesis that is being tested states, "the primary producing communities in the coastal bays are influenced by the nutrient concentrations along a north-south gradient." Specifically, we are collecting data to determine if 1) a nutrient gradient from Delaware to Maryland does in fact exist, and 2) there is a shift in the primary producer community from phytoplankton in the highly eutrophied areas to macroalgae in the moderately enriched areas, to submerged aquatic vegetation in low level enrichment.

A stratified random sampling design has been applied in the Maryland portion of the coastal bays. Strata were developed based on degree of eutrophication, and general sediment grain size. One fixed station and two random stations were sampled once a month from May through October. Nutrient samples were collected and processed according to the Chesapeake Bay Program nutrient collection protocol. Macroalgae was collected with a small bottom trawl.

Data are presently being quality assured. Data will be evaluated using an ANOVA approach to determine if there are significant differences among the sediment strata, the enrichment strata, and the two strata combined. If significant differences do appear, then the data will be tested to determine if there is a nutrient gradient present, and if this gradient has an influence on the vegetation present.

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Fish Health, Habitat Quality, and Pfiesteria Surveillance in Support of Maryland's Response to Toxic Outbreaks of Pfiesteria and Similar Dinoflagellates

Authors: Dave Goshorn, Rob Nelson, Margaret McGinty and Renee Karrh, Tidewater Ecosystem Assessment Division, Maryland Department of Natural Resources, 580 Taylor Ave. D-2, Annapolis, MD 21401, 410-260-8639, dgoshorn@dnr.state.md.us.

Toxic outbreaks of the dinoflagellate Pfiesteria piscicida on three Lower Eastern Shore rivers during 1997 lead to documented evidence of negative impacts to the health of humans that came in contact with affected waters. In order to protect public health, refine our understanding of the habitat factors that trigger toxic outbreaks, and to track the success of management actions designed to reduce the threat of future outbreaks, the State of Maryland initiated a pro-active fish health and habitat quality monitoring program in 1998. Eight Lower Eastern Shore rivers were selected for monitoring on the basis that they contained confirmed outbreaks in 1997 or had similar water quality and physical dynamics to affected rivers. Two of the eight monitored rivers are tributaries of Maryland's Coastal Bays; the St. Martin River and Newport Bay/Trappe Creek. Fish communities were sampled by otter trawl, beach seine, and cast net at 11 sites in each system on a bi-weekly basis April through October. All collected fish identified to species, counted, measured, and examined for external anomalies. Water samples were collected monthly April through October at 19 stations in the St. Martin River and 12 stations in the Newport Bay/Trappe Creek. Water samples were analyzed for a full suite of nutrient parameters and chlorophyll content. As of November, 1998 preliminary data was available for most of the fish sampling and a subset of the water quality samples through August. The health of Coastal Bay's fish populations was generally good, and no fish health problems indicative of a toxic Pfiesteria outbreak were observed in 1998. Preliminary water quality data indicates some portions of the two sampled tributaries with high nutrient and algal concentrations. Of particular note were Bishopville and Shingle Landing Prong (St. Martin River) and Trappe and Arye Creeks (Newport Bay/Trappe Creek). Although high nutrient and algal concentrations have been identified as two of the factors contributing to the likelihood of toxic Pfiesteria outbreaks, it is apparent that the full suite of conditions necessary for outbreaks were not met in these regions in 1998. Although final interpretation will need to await the analysis of the complete data set and independent review, low salinity and lack of dense concentrations of menhaden in these areas are possible explanations.

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Chincoteague Bay, Virginia: Effectiveness of the SAV Sanctuary and Revegetation of SAV Habitat Disturbed by Clam Dredging

Authors: R. J. Orth, K. A. Moore, D. J. Wilcox, J. R. Fishman. Virginia Institute of Marine Science, School of Marine Science, College of William and Mary, Gloucester Point, Virginia 23062, 804-684-7392, jjorth@vims.edu.

SAV nearly disappeared from Virginia's coastal lagoons and lower Chesapeake Bay regions in the 1930's, attributable, in part to an infestation of disease. Subsequent recovery in the lower Chesapeake Bay was retarded in the 1970's with the extremely large inputs of sediments and nutrients from Tropical Storm Agnes, which reduced SAV to their lowest levels of abundance in recorded history. In Delmarva's coastal lagoons, only Chincoteague, Sinepuxent, Isle of Wight and Assawoman bay have experienced any recovery.

Evidence of damage to this important habitat by dredging for clams in both Maryland and Virginia in 1997 resulted in the approval of an SAV sanctuary in Virginia, and the prohibition of hydraulic dredging for clams in existing SAV in Maryland. Virginia's sanctuary, which included a 200 m buffer around the existing vegetation, prohibiting clam and crab dredging, was effective on January 31, 1998. Prior to the SAV sanctuary, over 250 individual circular scars had been recorded from 1995 through 1997. Only 13 new scars were clearly identified in the 1998 photography, less than the number of new scars noted in both 1996 (23) and 1997 (218). Adoption of the sanctuary was effective in preventing further destruction of the SAV.

Analysis of percent cover estimates along the two transects in several selected scars which were formed in 1996, 1997, and 1998 revealed a consistent pattern: 70-100% SAV cover outside the scarred area in the existing SAV, an abrupt reduction in cover to 15% or less at the scar edge, low percent cover across the scar until a second abrupt increase in cover occurred in the center of the scarred area where seagrass had not been disturbed, with the pattern reversing along the second half of the transect moving There were also no significant measurable differences in percent cover estimates in the scarred portions of the 1996, 1997, and 1998 scars chosen for this study suggesting that revegetation in these selected scars was occurring very slowly.

Revegetation of the scars appears to be controlled by many factors, but scar size and intensity may be of primary importance, as the amount of grass remaining inside a scar can dictate recovery rates by lateral expansion within a scar. Other factors may be the altered topography and sediment structure created after the dredging and rays which may be selectively foraging in the scars (and uprooting seedlings or remnant plants not initially removed by clam dredging), as evidenced by large numbers of foraging pits within the scars. Given the recovery in some scars, the size of the scars, and knowledge of the many factors which affect revegetation, recovery of individual scars may range from a minimum of 5 to a maximum of 20 years or more.

(A report to the Virginia Marine Resources Commission presented on Oct. 27, 1998, is available on the VIMS web page - http://www.vims.edu/bio/sav in the special reports section).

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Worcester County Schools and UMES : Water Quality Monitoring

For this project both Worcester County Schools and the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science Horn Point Laboratory joined forces to create an early warning system to better monitor nutrient effects on sea grasses. Part of the funds will pay for training of teachers and parent volunteers who will accompany students to the bays and tributaries to monitor water quality. The finding will be shared with state and federal entities and information booklets will be disseminated to parents. Scientists have pointed to sea grasses as a principal indicator of the health of estuarine systems. Nutrients destroy the vegetation by stripping oxygen and sunlight from the water. (Contact Dan Richardson at 410-632-2582 or Laura Murray at 410-221-8419 or 410-228-9250)

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SSU - SAV Preservation and Replacement in Maryland's Coastal Bays

The project will use aerial photography and groundtruthing techniques to study the effects of commercial clam dredging and recreational boat propeller scarring on submerged aquatic vegetation beds to accelerate and promote restoration efforts. (Contact Dr. Harry Womack at 410-543-6492)


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Worcester County Soil Conservation District: Help for Farmers Water and Soil Plans

To help the county's Soil Conservation District administer district-approved soil conservation and water quality plans, the funding provides money for a Geographic Information System (GIS) to aid in wetland and soil identification and property marking. The system should greatly enhance agricultural landowners' ability to implement BMP's (best management practices) recommended within their soil conservation and water quality plans.

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University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science:Wave Exposure and Sediment Requirements for Sea Grass

The study will determine how wave exposure and sediment characteristics can determine the distribution of submerged aquatic vegetation. With sea grass restoration efforts ongoing, the project could save local, state and federal agencies time and money by pinpointing which areas are suitable for transplanting. (Contact Dr. Evamaria Koch at 410-221-8418)

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US Fish and Wildlife Service : Enhancement of Sea Grasses in Isle of Wight Bay

The project will determine if marking a specific channel for boaters to avoid SAV areas just south of the Route 90 bridge in Isle of Wight Bay is an effective management tool for protecting and fostering the growth of submerged aquatic vegetation. Aerial surveys will be flown before and after the marking of the channel to determine the extent of boat propeller scarring to SAV. (Contact Dr. Dave Goshorn 410-260-8639)

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Seagrass and water quality monitoring

The University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, Horn Point Laboratory and Worcester County Public Schools explored the relationship between water quality and algae and microorganism growth on natural and artificial seagrasses. The project incorporated scientific research with middle school student education. In the first phase, the relationship between nutrient signatures in sediments and colonization on artificial and natural seagrasses was developed. In the second phase, Worcester County Public School students used this technique to monitor streams within the coastal bays watershed.

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Environmental assessment and restoration of St. Martins tributaries

In order to identify significant non-point source problems, this Maryland Department of Natural Resources project surveyed habitat, nutrients and biological communities (macroinvertebrates) from non-tidal fresh water streams within the St. Martins River watershed. The data was used to identify waters that may have particularly high nutrients, poor riparian and stream habitats, or poor macroinvertebrate communities. Subwatersheds of concern were scheduled for a Stream Corridor Assessment.

The Stream Corridor Assessment rated the riparian and stream habitat condition, noted presence of any piped discharged and fish passage blockages, and provided general land use information. Analysis of the synoptic survey results, in conjunction with the Stream Corridor Assessment, identified areas in need of restoration and protection. The project recommended appropriate management actions for efficient use of in kind match and cost share funds available for BMP installations and stream channel restoration.


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Educational native plant garden at Stephen Decatur Middle School

Lawn care in urbanized areas of the coastal bays watershed contributes nutrients and other damaging chemicals to surface and groundwater. To show how to mitigate these effects, Stephen Decatur Middle School students replaced lawn with native plants which require less herbicides, pesticides and watering than traditional lawns. The garden was enhanced to attract native wildlife with the addition of bird baths, feeders, and a small pond. The demonstration garden will be used to educate students and the larger community about yard care which is friendly to the waters and the wildlife of the Coastal Bays watershed. A brochure will explain the project and describe native plant species planted there.


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Delmarva Birding Guide

A coalition of citizens and representatives of federal, state, and local governments throughout the Delmarva Peninsula was formed to promote the understanding, appreciation and enjoyment of the birding in the Atlantic Flyway. To do this, the coalition produced a comprehensive Delmarva Birding Guide. The full color guide detailed species and birding locations including the Eastern Shore of Virginia NWR, Chincoteague NWR, Assateague Island National Seashore, Blackwater NWR, Bombay Hook NWR and Prime Hook NWR with lesser known sites recommended nearby. The guide was produced by resource managers, birders and avian experts in the region.


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Boater survey on concerns, habits, and preferences in the coastal bays

This Coastal Bays Program Recreation and Navigation subcommittee survey used a questionnaire to depict boater behavior, attitudes, perceptions, and concerns in the bays as well as their understanding of the environmental impacts of increased boating activities. The results of the survey determined appropriate management actions as they related to navigation, fishing, and water usage.


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Environmentally friendly low income housing

Habitat for Humanity typically covers the exterior of their homes with vinyl because the people who receive them are used to living in rental units and have not been faced with home maintenance. This project used Hardiplank siding (made of Portland Cement, ground sand and cellulose fibers) because it is more durable and non polluting yet is easy to maintain and provides better insulation than vinyl. The lot area for Habitat homes has historically been seeded as lawn, which requires nutrients and other damaging chemicals. The cleared area of this house was planted with native plants.

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An Aerial Photographic Atlas of The Maryland Coastal Bays Watershed

Aero Graphics Inc. aerial photography was used to illustrate both scope and condition of the entire watershed. Each portion of the watershed was separated into blocks and categorized according to location. The information will be used by citizens to help formulate a plan which will determine sensitive areas and those best targeted for growth.


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Environmentally friendly garden at OC Elementary

A water conserving garden was created in the enclosed courtyard at Ocean City Elementary school using indigenous plantings without the addition of fertilizers or weed-killing chemicals. The project helped educate students about environmentally responsible gardening. The return of natural wildlife such as Eastern bluebirds, American goldfinches, Carolina wrens, and the species of neotropcial birds and butterflies using the Atlantic Flyway was sought from the choice of plantings and the addition of bird houses and bird feeders.


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Pond enhancement with Pocomoke Elementary

This demonstration project helped educate Pocomoke Elementary School students through their efforts to remove phragmite from a pond and replace it with native, less invasive plant species. The demonstration habitat pond was designed to teach the importance of keeping our waters and wildlife habitats healthy. To enhance the pond, school students used of birdfeeders, birdbaths, a wooden bench and selected plants.

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Passive recreation park at Ocean Reef development

The purpose of this project was to provide an enhanced natural area for passive recreation in the Ocean Reef community, a recently developed residential area along Sinepuxent Bay. This was accomplished by the installation of a trail, boardwalk, and raingarden area, and the restoration of a small section of wetland. The addition of wildlife nesting boxes and tree plantings enhanced the project which also provides for public access. Educational signs allow the project to be used to demonstrate habitat enhancement techniques which are applicable to residential landowners. Implementation of this project involved participation from local elementary school children and community residents.


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Maryland Coastal Bays Kayak Trail

The Worcester County Department of Tourism has developed a high quality, sustainable, nature-based tourism and environmental education program utilizing a kayak trail on Maryland's Coastal Bays between the mainland and Assateague Island National Seashore. The project consists of planning and design of the Maryland Coastal Bays Kayak Trail; installation of trail markers and interpretive signs; enhancement of public access sites; preparation of educational materials, including a printer trail guide and map; and the exploration of formal business relationships linking additional local business enterprises to the trail and its facilities. The trail provides visitors, school children and other citizens with information and hands- on experience in the important economic and social benefits derived from this unique natural area. A significant goal is to stimulate environmentally-compatible businesses and to act as a model demonstrating how a community can prosper from environmental protection and the continued health of the ecosystem upon which it depends.


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Nature Trail Enhancement at Showell Elementary

This project supplements the trail that has been marked through the volunteer efforts of the Showell PTA by enhancing the trail with nesting boxes that attract wildlife and signs that educate students and visitors about the plant and animal life on the trail. The Nature Trail at Showell Elementary School has been identified by the school's PTA as a place that should remain "natural" and that could be used to educate the students about the importance of caring for our environment.


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Wood duck box creation and installation

This MD Conservation Corps project created 20 nesting boxes for wood ducks in the coastal bays. Funding for the project was used for gaining and assembling materials for construction; adding fresh wood chips and sawdust; scouting of suitable location; installation; and, finally, yearly servicing to maintain successful use. Sample boxes were also used to generate interest and to provide a forum to introduce adults and children to the importance of waterfowl and wetland management.


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Forest and wetland restoration at Bird Hill Road

Thousands of acre of wetland's in Maryland's costal bays watershed have been drained and converted since the 1930's. This Worcester County project will provide interpretation of a restored wetland and forest that will inform visitors about historic wetland losses, the values and benefits of wetlands, and strategies for increasing wetland acreage in the Coastal Bays watershed.

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Phragmite eradication on Assateague by Snow Hill Middle School

Phragmites around the ponds on Assateague State Park and Assateague Island National Seashore have become a problem for the rangers because the invasive plants choke out other forms of wildlife. Snow Hill Middle Schools students will remove the phragmites to improve habitat and enhance educational programs which use the pools.


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Creation of residential wetlands and wildlife habitat

Residential yards in the coastal bays watershed contribute nutrients and other damaging chemicals to surface and groundwater and require time and monetary resources to maintain. These yards also provide very little opportunity for wildlife utilization and are often visually monotonous and devoid of color and texture. Enhancement of the urbanized yard to reduce nutrient and chemical contamination and to provide varied wildlife habitat is not only possible but cost effective. This demonstration project on the property of Clyde and Barbara Curtis showed how contemporary residential yards can be enhanced to improve water quality and wildlife habitat and to save the homeowner time and resources, while at the same time adding visual character to expanses of green lawn.


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Sod to Shrubbery: A Condominium Association's part in protecting the coastal bays

This project minimized nutrient and chemical runoff and provided habitat for wildlife by converting some 4,000 square feet of turf on the condominium grounds to native plants and shrubs. The project distributed information to each home owner regarding household hazardous waste disposal and alternatives to toxins for cleaning and car washing. To show relevance of environmental protection to property maintenance and value, changes in property values and lawn maintenance were documented.


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Aerial Survey of Sea Grass Hydraulic Dredge Scarring in Isle of Wight Bay

Scarring from hydraulic clam dredging has been identified as a potential factor limiting submerged aquatic vegetation re-colonization in the northern coastal bays. Intense hydraulic clam dredging in this area has impacted bay grasses by digging up plants, thus fragmenting and potentially eradicating individual beds. This DNR project is an extension of the 1998-1999 "Sea Grass Protection in Isle of Wight Bay" study. Aerial surveys flown for that study showed heavy scarring attributed to clam dredging. These photographs documented these heavily scarred areas at the mid-point of the hydraulic clam dredging fishery. This provided information on the extent of damage to the beds, isolated the clam dredging/recreational boat scarring effects and helped determine recovery time of beds scarred by hydraulic clam dredging activity. Concurrently, education of the boating community regarding the importance of sensitive areas such as SAV beds was conducted.


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Nutrient management by use of poultry litter in pine forests

This UMD Cooperative Extension Service project funded two forest demonstration research plots to evaluate poultry litter application effects at various rates on pine growth and ground water quality in Worcester County. Recent research in the poultry areas of the southern U.S., using poultry litter as a fertilizer for pine trees has became an economic incentive to forest landowners. A one-day forum featuring leading researchers in the area of "Poultry Litter Fertilization of Pine Forests" brought local researchers, government agency personnel and commercial and private landowners up-to-date on the latest and most effective forest management techniques.


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Collection and disposal of abandoned crab pots

For many years blue crabs of the Chincoteague and Sinepuxent Bays have been harvested by both recreational and commercial fisherman. The most efficient method used to harvest blue crabs is commonly known as the "crab pot". The industry is regulated to reduce undersized catches and protect other species. When pots become abandoned or lost they trap and kill numerous species of crabs, fish and turtles. However, the extent of the problem and effects on the environment have not yet addressed. By collecting abandoned pots, Robert Thomas and John Young provided an assessment of the baywide problem and restored the area habitat to its natural state.

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Maryland Coastal Bays Program
Part of the National Estuary Program,
the Maryland Coastal Bays Program is a partnership among the towns of Ocean City and Berlin, National Park Service, Worcester County, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the Maryland Departments of Natural Resources, Agriculture, Environment, and Planning, who have come together to produce the first ever management plan for the coastal bays.
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