An Introduction to Sedimentsheds: Sediment and its Relationship to Chesapeake Bay Water Clarity

A ‘sedimentshed’ is a concept used to determine sediment sources affecting the water clarity of near-shore submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) grow zones of the Chesapeake Bay. Decreases in water clarity due to massive sediment input from the surrounding watershed and sediment resuspension has had a direct impact on the health of SAV beds, and in turn on the health of aquatic life. In 2006, the Chesapeake Bay Program?s Sediment Workgroup began developing an introductory report on ‘sedimentsheds? in hopes that identifying both the spatial location and categorical components of sediment sources would ensure the use of efficient and effective management strategies for attaining water clarity goals. The STAC funded workshop provided a forum for the Sediment Workgroup to share a draft of the Sedimentshed Report with watershed-wide expertise for review and comments. The group was also able to collect invaluable insight on sediment, and its impacts on water clarity and SAV health.