Democratizing Science in the Chesapeake Bay Citizen science creates a participatory pathway for the public to engage in the scientific process and data collection. Through our conversations with the community, we’ve learned that the term “citizen science” can be exclusive and wanted to clarify the use of the term in this article. Citizenship, or the [...]
Global Impact of Microplastics Microplastics are any type of plastic fragment that is less than 5mm in length. These microscopic particles can be specifically fabricated for products like facial scrubs, or broken down from larger pieces of plastic debris. There has been growing concern from scientists and the public about the impact these microscopic fragments [...]
Shoreline and pier at the Naval Weapons Station Norfolk in Yorktown The Chesapeake Research Consortium is funding the design of a nearshore habitat restoration project on the York River in Virginia. The $40,000 in funding support will enable the Virginia Institute of Marine Science to develop a detailed blueprint and monitoring plan for an [...]
Study Predicts Heavier Rains for Five Eastern Shore Towns A new study conducted by researchers from the University of Maryland gives a detailed look into how climate change will influence extreme storm rainfall in Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Overall, their findings suggest that by the mid-21st century, a 100-year storm will bring heavier and more intense [...]
Virginia Water Center Nationally Recognized for Water Issues The Virginia Water Resources Research Center, housed at Virginia Tech, was one of 12 institutes to be nationally recognized as “outstanding” by the U.S. Geological Survey. This designation was recently given after a panel of scientists reviewed the center’s progress between 2011 and 2015. In particular, the [...]
Aerial SAV Surveys Support Collaborative Science, Management, and Restoration Submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) is a vital component in the health of the Chesapeake Bay and worldwide coastal ecosystems. The SAV program, centered at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) is world-renowned for its monitoring and restoration projects. Robert “JJ” Orth, program director of the [...]
How Oysters are Shipped Makes All the Difference in Seafood Safety Have you ever thought about how an oyster gets to your plate? Consumers often only see the name of the farm and the restaurant where they are eating, but not all the steps in between. (Credit: Bobbi Hudson, PSI) Researchers at the [...]
VIMS Researchers find that Invasive Blue Catfish are Poised to Expand in the Bay A recent study from the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) found that blue catfish can tolerate higher salinities than previously thought, meaning this invasive species has the potential to expand into mainstem Chesapeake waters, surrounding tributaries, and even the Delaware [...]
Study from VIMS finds Minimal Water Quality Impacts from Oyster Aquaculture Expanding oyster aquaculture operations in the Chesapeake Bay have raised concerns about the impacts of the industry to the watershed, from enriched sediment nutrients to viewshed concerns. Researchers from the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS), however, found that oyster farms in the lower [...]
Working Together to Keep Oysters Thriving in the Bay A thriving oyster population is vital to a healthy Chesapeake Bay. As a keystone species, oysters are necessary for filtering water and providing critical habitat for other species in the Bay. The Chesapeake Oyster Alliance is a coalition of partners that includes non-profits, universities, oyster farmers, [...]
