SAV Monitoring Program

The Chesapeake Bay Program takes an integrated, three-tiered approach to monitoring Submerged Aquatic Vegetation

Two women inspect the blade of widgeon grass they are holding in their hands while standing aboard a power boat.
Brooke Landry, left, of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, shows identifying features of widgeon grass, Ruppia maritima, during a shallow water survey of the Tred Avon River. (Skyler Ballard/Chesapeake Bay Program)

The Chesapeake Bay Program’s SAV monitoring effort employs a three-tiered approach to monitoring submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) in the Bay. The integrated system includes aerial surveys, volunteer monitoring and sentinel sites.

Aerial survey is monitored by Virginia Institute of Marine Science. Started in 1984. Located Bay-wide. Purpose is to track progress towards SAV restoration goals. Monitoring parameters are SAV acreage and density.
SAV Watchers is lead by watershed monitoring groups and volunteers. Started in 2019. Located in tributaries throughout the Bay. Purpose is to supplement aerial survey data. Monitoring parameters are SAV species composition and density, and other biological measurements.
SAV Sentinel Site Program is lead by Chesapeake Bay Program SAV workgroup and partners. Started in 2022. Located at 20 sites throughout the Bay. Purpose is to identify impacts on SAV. Parameters include SAV species, macroalgae, canopy height, and more.