Ground surveys were accomplished by cooperative efforts from a number of agencies
and individuals. Although not all areas of Chesapeake Bay were ground surveyed, the data did provide valuable supplemental
information. The ground surveys confirmed the existence of some SAV beds mapped
from the 2013 1:24,000 scale aerial photography, as well as SAV beds that were too small to be visible
on the 1:24,000 scale photography. The surveys also provided species data for many of
the SAV beds. Ground survey information supplied to VIMS researchers is included on
the SAV distribution and abundance digital maps and included
in the VIMS SAV GIS Database. The group that performed each survey is designated by a unique symbol to
identify the different methods of sampling. In many cases the symbols on the SAV maps
have been offset from the actual sampling point to avoid
confusion with the mapped SAV bed. Where species information was available, it is
included on the map. Because of space limitations on the maps, occasionally one or more survey points are combined where the information was duplicated. All ground survey data supplied to VIMS are tabulated in the ground survey table.
Ground survey data were obtained in 2013 by:
Sean Doyle of the DC Division of Fisheries & Wildlife for the Potomac River.
Chris Jones of George Mason University for Gunston Cove and the Potomac River.
Roman Jesien of the Maryland Coastal Bays Program for Isle of Wight, Sinepuxent, and Chincoteague.
Rebecca Golden, Lee Karrh, and Angel Willey of Maryland Department of Natural Resources (MD-DNR) for Susquehanna Flats; the Choptank, Elk, Gunpowder, Honga, Port Tobacco, Sassafras, Severn, and St. Marys rivers; and Chincoteague, Sinepuxent, Isle of Wight, and Assawoman bays
Amanda Penafiel of Maryland Environmental Service (MES) for Hart-Miller Island
Brian Sturgis of the National Park Service (NPS) for Chincoteague and Sinepuxent bays
Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) for the Mattaponi, Severn, Ware, and York rivers; Mobjack Bay; Cherrystone Inlet; and Chincoteague and South bays
