SAV distribution data in this report are presented and discussed based on the Chesapeake Bay Program (CBP) segmentation scheme described briefly in the Methods section (Tables 3 and 4; Figure 9; Flemer et al., 1983). Data are also grouped and discussed according to Upper, Middle, and Lower Chesapeake Bay zones, and the Chincoteague Bay section Figure 9; Orth et al., 1995). The Chincoteague Bay section refers to a composite of four Atlantic coast, barrier island bays of the Delmarva peninsula: Chincoteague, Sinepuxent, Assawoman, and Isle of Wight bays.
The 1995 SAV bed data were edgematched using ARC/INFO GIS software, as were all the historical SAV bed data, in order to bring separately digitized USGS 7.5 minute topographic quadrangle SAV coverages into one unified coverage for the entire Chesapeake Bay (see Methods; VIMS SAV GIS Database; Orth et al., 1995). Therefore, SAV distribution data presented in this report reflect edgematching adjustments, and may differ from previously published data for these years derived from separate coverages which were not edgematched (i.e., Orth et al., 1992, 1993, and 1994).
SAV distribution data for 1995 and 1994 are presented in hectares: by quadrangle (Table 5); by Chesapeake Bay zones and by Chincoteague Bay section (Figure 2); by CBP segment and by zone (Figures 3, 4, and 5; Table 6); by USGS 7.5 minute quadrangles for each CBP segment and for the Chincoteague Bay section (Table 7); by CBP segment and the Chincoteague Bay section (also given in acres) (Table 7). Distribution data for 1995 and 1994 by SAV density class are presented in hectares for each CBP segment (Figures 3, 4, and 5; Table 8) and for the Chincoteague Bay section (Table 8). Distribution data for 1995 and 1994 by density class are presented by hectares for the zones of Chesapeake Bay and for the Chincoteague Bay section (Table 9). Quadrangle maps annotated with all 1995 SAV beds, and with 1995 ground-truth data, are presented in Appendix B, whereas all ground-truth data for 1995 are also tabulated in Appendix D. The calculated areas for individual SAV beds for each quadrangle are given in square meters in Appendix C.
The 1995 SAV data are summarized and compared with 1994 data and are discussed relative to the Upper, Middle, and Lower Bay zones. The forty-five Chesapeake Bay segments, and the Chincoteague Bay section, are then discussed either individually or as combined groups, and 1995 data are compared with data from 1994 and other pertinent years. The 1995 distribution of SAV is plotted on maps of each Chesapeake Bay Program segment, and of the Chincoteague Bay section; and distribution data for 1978-1995 are graphed by segment, by year, and by density in insets within these figures. Segments ET6, ET7, ET10, TF4, RET4, TF3, RET3, and WT4 are not graphed because there were no data or no SAV beds mapped for them from 1978-1995 (VIMS SAV GIS Database). In these CBP segment plots, SAV beds are plotted in red; segment boundaries are represented by bold, black lines; and USGS 7.5 minute quadrangles are represented by a grid of numbered rectangles (refer to Table 2 for quadrangle names listed by VIMS map number). Specific place names not found on the CBP segment plots are on quadrangle maps for that segment in Appendix B. A key for the 1995 segment maps is shown in Figure 10.
SAV in the Chesapeake Bay decreased 8% in 1995 to a total of 24,251.57 hectares mapped from aerial photography, a 2,232.81 hectare decline from the 26,484.38 hectares mapped in 1994 (Figure 1; Table 6). This follows a 10% decrease in 1994 from the 29,587.47 hectares in 1993 and is the lowest level since the 1989 level of 24,151.49 hectares (Table 6; VIMS SAV GIS Database). SAV also decreased in all three zones of the Chesapeake Bay in 1995 (14%, 8%, and 7% in the Upper, Middle, and Lower zones, respectively) compared to 1994 when SAV increased only in the Upper zone (44%) and decreased in the Middle and Lower zones 21% and 8%, respectively, from totals in 1993 (Figure 2; Table 6; Orth et al., 1995). In 1995, SAV decreased 529.61 hectares in the Upper zone, with a total of 3,324.21 hectares (14% of the Bay total) mapped, compared with 3,853.82 hectares (15% of the Bay total) mapped in 1994 (Figure 2; Table 6). SAV decreased 1,096.84 hectares in the Middle zone in 1995, with 12,276.42 hectares (51% of the Bay total) mapped, compared to 13,373.26 hectares (50% of the Bay total) mapped in 1994 (Figure 2; Table 6). SAV decreased 606.36 hectares in the Lower zone, with 8,650.94 hectares (36% of the Bay total) mapped, compared to 9,257.30 hectares (35% of the Bay total) mapped in 1994 (Figure 2; Table 6). SAV increased in five segments in the Upper Bay zone in 1995, decreased in six (WT5 became unvegetated), and WT1 and WT4 remained unvegetated, compared to 1994, when SAV increased from 1993 levels in all segments except for WT1 and WT4 which remained unvegetated (Figure 3; Tables 6 and 7; Orth et al., 1995). As in 1994, increases in 1995 for some segments of the Middle and Lower zones did not offset larger decreases in 1995 in other segments of these zones (Tables 6 and 7). In the Middle Bay zone in 1995, there were increases in five segments, decreases in eight, and seven were unvegetated (six of these remained unvegetated from 1994) compared to 1994 when there were increases in six segments, decreases in ten, and six were unvegetated; and in the Lower Bay zone in 1995, there were increases in three segments, decreases in four, and six remained unvegetated from 1994, compared to 1994 when there were increases in three segments, decreases in four, and six were unvegetated (Figures 4 and 5; Tables 6 and 7; Orth et al., 1995).
In 1995, SAV in the Bay increased in thirteen segments (Upper zone: CB2, CB3, WT6, ET3, ET4; Middle zone: WT7, LE2, ET8, ET9, EE1; and Lower zone: LE4, LE5, WE4), compared to twenty segments in 1994 (Upper zone: CB1, CB2, CB3, WT2, WT3, WT5, WT6, ET1, ET2, ET3, ET4; Middle zone: WT7, WT8, TF1, RET1, LE2, EE1; and Lower zone: CB8, LE4, LE5) (Tables 6 and 7; Orth et al., 1995). In 1995, SAV decreased in eighteen segments (Upper zone: CB1, WT2, WT3, WT5, ET1, ET2; Middle zone: CB5, WT8, TF1, RET1, TF2, RET2, EE2, EE3; Lower zone: CB6, CB7, CB8, LE3) compared to fourteen segments in 1994 (Middle zone: CB4, CB5, LE1, TF2, RET2, ET5, ET8, ET9, EE2, EE3; and Lower zone: CB6, CB7, LE3, WE4) (Tables 6 and 7; Orth et al., 1995). In 1995, sixteen were unvegetated (Upper zone: WT1, WT4, WT5; Middle zone: CB4, RET1, LE1, ET5, ET6, ET7, ET10; and Lower zone: TF3, RET3, TF4, RET4, TF5, RET5), compared to fourteen in 1994 (Upper zone: WT1, WT4; Middle zone: CB4, LE1, ET5, ET6, ET7, ET10; and Lower zone: TF3, RET3, TF4, RET4, TF5, RET5) (Tables 6 and 7; Orth et al., 1995). [The mainstem upper and middle Rappahannock River, TF3 and RET3, upper and middle York River, TF4 and RET4, and upper and middle James River, TF5 and RET5, have been devoid of submerged vegetation for years and are not currently photographed (Methods; Figure 6)]. There were no segments which were unvegetated in 1994 which had SAV detected by photography in 1995 (Tables 6 and 7). Two segments (Upper zone: WT5; Middle zone: RET1) which were vegetated in 1994, albeit with relatively small amounts, had no SAV detected in 1995, compared to three segments (CB4, LE1, and ET5), all in the Middle zone, which were vegetated in 1993 but had no SAV detected in 1994 or 1995 (Tables 6 and 7; Orth et al., 1995).
In the Bay in 1995, 44% of SAV was categorized as dense (density class 4, or 70-100% coverage), up slightly from the 1994 amount of 36% (Table 9). In 1995, 12% of SAV was categorized as moderate (density class 3, or 40-70% coverage), down slightly from the 1994 amount of 19% (Table 9). There was 26% of SAV categorized as sparse (density class 2, or 10-40% coverage), a decrease compared with the 1994 amount of 28%; whereas 17% was categorized as very sparse (density class 1, or 0-10% coverage), the same as in 1994 (Table 9). SAV in the very sparse and sparse classes combined (the 0-40% coverage range) constituted 44% of all SAV in 1995, a slight decrease from 45% in 1994 (Table 9). Conversely, SAV in the moderate and dense classes combined (the 40-100% coverage range) constituted 56% of all SAV in 1995, an slight increase from 55% in 1994 (Table 9).
The Chincoteague Bay section (consisting of Chincoteague, Assawoman, Sinepuxent, and Isle of Wight bays) had 3,758.29 hectares in 1995, with 15% classified dense, compared to 4,117.53 hectares in 1994, with 55% classified dense (Figure 2; Tables 5-9).
SAV in CB1 decreased 24% (624.81 hectares) in 1995, after a 50% increase in 1994: 2,025.04 hectares were mapped in 1995; 2,649.85 hectares in 1994 (Figure 11; Tables 6 and 7; Orth et al., 1995). CB1 had 66% of its Tier I goal of 3,078.10 hectares in 1995 (Figure 11). CB1 continued to have the largest percentage of SAV in the Upper Bay zone in 1995 despite the large decline in total hectares, although the percentage had decreased: in 1995, 61% of the SAV in the Upper Bay zone was mapped in CB1 whereas in 1994, the percentage was 69% (Tables 6 and 7; Orth et al., 1995). This decrease reflects the decline of SAV in CB1 as well as concomitant increases in SAV abundance in other segments of this zone, namely CB2, CB3, WT6, ET3, and ET4 (Tables 6 and 7). Historically, the segment with the largest percentage of SAV in the Upper Bay zone ever recorded by the aerial survey was CB1 in 1989, which had 1,944.87 hectares or 79% of the 2,457.11 hectares in the Upper Bay zone (VIMS SAV GIS Database). In 1993, 66% of SAV in the Upper Bay zone was in CB1, in 1992 it was 71%, and in 1991 it was 78% Orth et al., 1995). The lowest percentage of SAV of the Upper Bay zone occurring in CB1 was 27% in 1978 (VIMS SAV GIS Database).
In CB1 in 1995, there was a small net increase in SAV density over 1994: 81% of SAV was classified very sparse, 8% sparse, 2% moderate, and 9% dense, whereas in 1994, 87% of SAV was classified very sparse, 5% sparse, 2% moderate, and 6% dense (Figure 11; (Table 8). This was essentially the same pattern recorded since 1991 in CB1: very sparse SAV constituting more than 80% of the SAV and lesser amounts distributed in the other three density classes (Orth et al., 1995).
SAV beds were located in seven main areas of CB1: 1) sparse to dense fringing beds in the Susquehanna River (from Robert Island to the river mouth, at Concord Point on the western shore and at Stump Point on the eastern shore); 2) a large area of very sparse SAV located in the broad shoal (Susquehanna Flats) at the Susquehanna River mouth; 3) sparse to dense beds fringing the shore from Concord Point south to Swan Creek; 4) predominately very sparse beds located around Battery Island; 5) dense to very sparse beds east of Stump Point at Mill Creek, Furnace Bay, Baker Cove, High Point, and Carpenter Point; 6) small, fringing beds of sparse to moderate density in the Spesutie Narrows; and 7) a large, sparse bed east of Spesutie Island (Figure 11; Appendix B: Maps 2, 3, 9). A large (approximately 580 hectares), predominately very sparse bed of Myriophyllum spicatum, Hydrilla verticillata, and Ceratophyllum demersum, located south of Havre de Grace to Swan Creek in 1994, was absent in 1995 and accounts for most of the 625 hectare decrease in 1995 (Figure 11; Tables 6 and 7; Appendix B: Maps 3, 9; Orth et al., 1995). A total of six species of SAV (H. verticillata, M. spicatum, C. demersum, Heteranthera dubia, Vallisneria americana, Najas guadalupensis) plus an unknown species of Najas were reported in 1995 from CB1, either by Stan Kollar of Harford Community College or the Citizens' survey (Appendices B and D: Maps 2, 3, 9). Hydrilla verticillata and the other species were reported extending throughout CB1 from Robert Island in the Susquehanna River (Map 2), to Spesutie Island (Map 9), and to Furnace Bay and the Susquehanna Flats (Map 3) (Appendices B and D). In 1994, three additional species were reported from CB1 which were not seen in 1995: Najas minor, Najas gracillima, and Elodea canadensis (Orth et al., 1995).
Segments ET1, ET2, and ET3 together contained 10% of the SAV in the Upper Bay zone in 1995, up from 7% in 1994 (Tables 6 and 7). This net increase in 1995 was due to a large increase of SAV in the Sassafras River (ET3) which offset decreases in the Northeast River (ET1), and the Elk and Bohemia rivers (ET2) (Tables 6 and 7). Very little SAV was mapped in segment ET1, 1.10 hectares less than in 1994 (Tables 6 and 7). Although SAV also decreased in ET2, there was an increase of SAV within the Bohemia River portion of the segment (Figure 12; Tables 6 and 7; Appendix B: Map 10). The majority of SAV in segments ET1, ET2, and ET3 continues to be classified very sparse and sparse (Figure 12; Table 8). As in 1994, principal locations of beds were along the north shore of the Elk River and in the lower Sassafras River (Figure 12; Appendix B: Maps 4, 5, 9, 10, 16, 17).
SAV was mapped in ET1 in 1995, for the second time since 1987, although there were only 6.86 hectares, 14% less than in 1994 when the Tier I goal (7.54 hectares) was achieved for the first time since the aerial surveys began there in 1978 (Figure 12; Tables 6 and 7; VIMS SAV GIS Database). The SAV level in 1995 did not achieve the Tier I goal, still this was the second highest level ever recorded (Figure 12; VIMS SAV GIS Database). Nearly 100% (6.85 hectares) of the SAV was classified sparse in 1995, whereas in 1994, 75% was very sparse and 25% was moderate (Figure 12; Table 8).
Of the two beds mapped in ET1 in 1994, only the one at Cara Cove was mapped in 1995, but it expanded to 6.85 hectares from 1.99 hectares in 1994 (Figure 12; Appendices B and C: Map 4, Bed A2; Orth et al., 1995). The 6 hectare, very sparse bed mapped near the head of the river in 1994 was not seen in the 1995 photography (Figure 12; Orth et al., 1995). However, a small portion of a new bed was also mapped in 1995 in segment ET1 at the mouth of the river, on the western shore at Carpenter Point (Figure 12; Appendix B: Map 3; Orth et al., 1995).
In 1995, M. spicatum and V. americana were reported by Stan Kollar and the Citizens' survey near the mouth of the Northeast River at Carpenter Point on the western shore, and M. spicatum was noted by the Citizens' survey at a site upstream (Appendices B and D: Map 3, Bed A1).
SAV in ET2 decreased 24% to 136.48 hectares in 1995, from 179.86 hectares in 1994, and was still below the 465.20 hectare Tier I goal which has never been achieved in the history of the aerial survey (Figure 12; Tables 6 and 7; VIMS SAV GIS Database). However, the 1995 level is still greater than the 1993 level (94.76 hectares), the lowest level since 1987 (Figure 12; VIMS SAV GIS Database). Some beds mapped in 1994 were not seen in the 1995 photography, notably the very sparse 101.30 hectares in Piney Creek Cove on the north shore of the Elk River (Groundtruthing did, however, locate some SAV there.), accounting for a majority of the decline in ET2 from 1994 (Figure 12; Appendix B and C: Map 4; Orth et al., 1995). Despite the overall decline in ET2 in 1995, SAV in the Bohemia River portion increased 87%, entirely in the one bed mapped in 1994 (1.5 hectares) and in 1995 (11.84 hectares) at the confluence with the Elk River (Figure 12; Appendices B and C: Map 10; Orth et al., 1995). Compensating partially for losses elsewhere in the segment were gains in other areas of ET2, such as a 54.12 hectare gain in the Elk River above Oldfield Point, including new beds not seen in 1994 (Figure 12; Appendix B: Maps 4, 5; Orth et al., 1995). Density increased in 1995 when 32% was very sparse, 60% sparse, 6% moderate, and 1% dense, whereas in 1994, 70% was very sparse, 25% sparse, 5% moderate, and 0% dense (Figure 12; Table 8).
Stan Kollar surveyed the majority of the beds mapped in ET2 in 1995, from the mouth of the Elk River, upstream to Paddy Piddle Cove near Henderson Point, noting three species: M. spicatum, V. americana, and Potamogeton pectinatus (Appendices B and D: Maps 4, 5, 10). The Citizens' survey also reported M. spicatum and V. americana in Piney Creek Cove, and M. spicatum at Oldfield Point (Appendices B and D: Map 4). Myriophyllum spicatum and V. americana occurred together in most of the beds; only V. americana was found in one bed on the western shore; only M. spicatum was found at Oldfield Point on the western shore, and on the eastern shore, from the mouth of the Bohemia River upstream in the Elk River to Paddy Piddle Cove; P. pectinatus was reported from two mixed beds on the western shore with M. spicatum and V. americana (Appendices B and D: Maps 4, 5, 10). Potamogeton crispus was found in 1994 on the north shore, however there were no sitings of this species in 1995 from ET2 (Appendices B and D: Maps 4, 5, 10, 10; Orth et al., 1995).
SAV in ET3 increased 136%, or 103.53 hectares, in 1995, from 76.24 hectares in 1994 to 179.77 hectares in 1995, surpassing the Tier I goal of 164.70 hectares for the first time in the history of the aerial survey (Figure 12; Tables 6 and 7; VIMS SAV GIS Database). In ET3, 25% was classified very sparse, 56% sparse, 19% moderate, and 0% dense in 1995; in 1994, 79% was very sparse, 6% sparse, 0% moderate, and 15% dense (Figure 12; Table 8; Appendix B: Maps 9, 10, 16, 17).
SAV was concentrated in the lower Sassafras River along both shores, including Money, Lloyd, Turner, and Freeman creeks (Figure 12; Appendix B: Maps 9, 10, 16, 17). Increases were due to both the expansion of beds which were present in 1994 and the addition of new beds: on the north shore, beds along Grove Neck and Money Creek expanded as well as beds on the south shore in Lloyd, Turner, and Freeman creeks; a new bed was added east of Money Creek and four were added to Turner Creek (Figure 12; Appendix B: Maps 9, 10, 16, 17; Orth et al., 1995). In 1995, Stan Kollar reported M. spicatum, C. demersum, V. americana, P. pectinatus, and Najas sp. on the north shore, and M. spicatum and V. americana from the south shore, but in 1994, he reported only M. spicatum and V. americana from ET3 (Appendices B and D: Maps 9, 10, 16, 17; Orth et al., 1995).
There were 81.28 hectares of SAV in 1995, the most ever mapped from the aerial survey for CB2, and a 25% increase over 65.11 hectares in 1994 (Figure 13; Tables 6 and 7). The 1995 level was still only 58% of the Tier I goal of 139.74 hectares (Figure 13; VIMS SAV GIS Database). CB2 contained 2% of the SAV in the Upper Bay zone in 1995 (Figure 13; Tables 6 and 7). Also in 1995, CB2 had the highest percentage (74%) of dense SAV ever recorded by the aerial survey, and 12% was classified moderate, 13% sparse, and 1% very sparse; contrasting with 1994 when 36% was dense, 7% moderate, 54% sparse and 4% very sparse (Figure 13; Table 8).
As in 1994, SAV was mapped from the lower Spesutie Narrows and from Little Romney and Romney creeks on the western shore, and from Pond, Still Pond, and Fairlee creeks on the eastern shore of the Bay, however, no SAV was mapped in Delph Creek in 1995 where there were two beds at the mouth in 1994 (Figure 13; Appendix B: Maps 8, 9, 10, 15; Orth et al., 1995). Increases in SAV were noted in the Lower Spesutie Narrows, and in Little Romney, Fairlee, Still Pond, and Pond creeks (Figure 13; Appendix B: Maps 8, 9, 10, 15). The Citizens' survey reported M. spicatum at one site in Worton Creek in 1995 (Appendices B and D: Map 15).
SAV in CB3 increased 4% in 1995 to 346.27 hectares, the most mapped since 1985 and 10% of the SAV in the Upper Bay zone, up from 9% (332.11 hectares) in 1994 (Figure 13; Tables 6 and 7). SAV in 1995 was at the fourth highest level since the aerial survey began, however, it was still only 41% of the Tier I goal of 845.33 hectares (Figure 13). Continuing an increasing trend for the last two years, CB3 had the largest percentage (87%) of SAV classified dense ever recorded for the segment by the aerial survey (Figure 13; Table 8; Orth et al., 1995). In 1994, only 79% of the SAV in this segment was classified dense; in 1993 only 56% was classified dense (Figure 13; Table 8; Orth et al., 1995). Also, in the other density classes in 1995, 6% of the SAV was classified very sparse, 3% sparse, and 4% moderate; in 1994, 1% was very sparse, 14% sparse, and 6% moderate (Figure 13; Table 8).
In 1995, as in 1994, SAV was mapped only from the eastern shore of CB3: at Swan Creek, The Haven, Rock Hall Harbor, and the western shore of Eastern Neck from Huntingfield Creek in the north to Eastern Neck Island in the south; beds in those areas expanded, and a 3.32 hectare, new bed was mapped above Wickes Beach (Figure 13; Appendices B and C: Maps 20, 21, 26; Orth et al., 1995).
In 1995, the Citizens' survey reported C. demersum, from only one site, adjacent to Black Marsh on the western shore (Appendices B and D: Map 19). In 1994, M. spicatum and Zannichellia palustris were noted from the western shore, and from the eastern shore, Ruppia maritima, Potamogeton perfoliatus, and M. spicatum (Orth et al., 1995).
No SAV was mapped in WT1, WT4, and WT5 in 1995, however, in WT2 and WT3, SAV was mapped, although at decreased levels from 1994 (Figure 14; Tables 6 and 7).
No SAV was mapped in WT1 and WT4 in 1995, as in 1994 (Figure 14; Tables 6 and 7). SAV has never been mapped in WT4 since the aerial survey began there in 1978 (Figure 14; VIMS SAV GIS Database). WT1 had SAV mapped during only four years of the survey (1992, 1987, 1985, and 1978), but the level never reached the Tier I goal of 23.38 hectares (Figure 14; VIMS SAV GIS Database).
Dr. William Hilgartner, The Johns Hopkins University, reported C. demersum, M. spicatum, V. americana, E. canadensis, P. crispus, and Potamogeton epihydrus in Otter Point Creek in 1995 (Appendices B and D: Map 7). The first three species were reported there in 1994 (Orth et al., 1995).
No SAV was mapped in WT5 during 1995, although in 1994 there was less than a hectare (Figure 14; Tables 6 and 7). SAV was mapped only once before, in 1978, and the Tier I goal (50.22 hectares) was almost achieved that year (Figure 14; VIMS SAV GIS Database).
The Citizens' survey reported R. maritima, V. americana, and Z. palustris from the sole ground-truth site for WT5 at Mt. Pleasant Beach on Stony Creek (Appendices B and D: Map 18). There was no ground-truth data reported in 1994 for WT5 (Orth et al., 1995).
WT2 had 68.25 hectares of SAV in 1995, a 24% decrease from the 89.25 hectares mapped in 1994, and about 2% of the total amount of SAV for this zone (Figure 14; Tables 6 and 7). The 1995 total is well below the ten year high of 126.08 hectares in 1992, the survey high of 196.90 hectares in 1978, and the Tier I goal of 350.54 hectares (Figure 14; VIMS SAV GIS Database). However, despite the overall decline, there was a 14.59 hectare increase at Gunpowder Falls in 1995 (Figure 14; Table 7; Appendices B and C: Map 7). SAV density also decreased in WT2 in 1995: 4% was classified very sparse, 55% sparse, 38% moderate, and 3% dense, contrasted with 1994 when 0.12% was classified very sparse, 27% was sparse, 29% was moderate, and 44% was dense (Figure 14; Table 8).
SAV in WT2 in 1995 was located at the mouth of Gunpowder Falls, at Cunninghill Cove, in Dundee and Saltpeter creeks, and near the mouth of the river south of Days Point (Figure 14; Appendix B: Maps 7, 14). In 1995, SAV increased at the mouth of Gunpowder Falls, was noticeably reduced around Carroll Island in Saltpeter and Dundee creeks, and was absent from Swaderick and Watson creeks, compared to 1994 (Figure 14; Appendix B: Maps 7, 14; Orth et al., 1995).
In 1995, Stan Kollar noted V. americana, M. spicatum, E. canadensis, and C. demersum in Dundee and Saltpeter creeks, which were also reported there in 1994; the Citizens' survey reported E. canadensis and V. americana near Carroll Point (Appendices B and D: Map 14).
In WT3 in 1995, there were 4.76 hectares of SAV, only 0.14% of the SAV found in this zone, and an 81% decline from the 25.02 hectares mapped in 1994 (Figure 14; Tables 6 and 7). This decline follows a 18.35 hectare increase from 1993 to 1994 and is the second lowest level recorded by the aerial survey in WT3 (Figure 14; VIMS SAV GIS Database). Density declined also in 1995, 31% of the SAV was classified very sparse, 50% sparse, 19% moderate, and 0% dense, whereas in 1994, 47% was classified sparse and 53% moderate (Figure 14; Table 8). In 1995, WT3 had only five small SAV beds, in Middle River, in Seneca Creek, and in Hawthorn Cove; beds were reduced in size or absent compared to 1994 (Figure 14; Appendix B: Maps 13, 14; Orth et al., 1995). There were no ground-truth data for WT3 in 1995, however, in 1994, seven species were noted: R. maritima, M. spicatum, E. canadensis, V. americana, C. demersum, Najas guadalupensis, and P. perfoliatus (Orth et al., 1995).
SAV in ET4 in 1995 increased 8% over that in 1994 and reached the second highest level recorded by the survey since 1978 (Figure 15; Tables 6 and 7; VIMS SAV GIS Database). There were 443.83 hectares mapped in 1995, up from the 409.50 hectares mapped in 1994, however, this level is still well below the Tier I goal of 1,517.37 hectares (Figure 15; Tables 6 and 7; VIMS SAV GIS Database). ET4 contained 13% of the SAV in the Upper Bay zone, the second most abundant segment in the zone (Tables 6 and 7). ET4 had a small increase in 1995 of SAV classified dense: 2% was classified very sparse, 28% sparse, 17% moderate, and 53% dense, whereas in 1994, 5% was classified very sparse, 18% sparse, 28% moderate, and 49% dense (Figure 15; Table 8).
Most SAV in ET4 was located adjacent to Eastern Neck and Eastern Neck Island (especially near Eastern Neck Narrows), in Church, Grays Inn, Langford, and Queenstown creeks (tributaries entering the Chester River), and the southern shore of the Chester River from Queenstown Creek to Macum Creek (Figure 15; Appendix B: Maps 21, 26, 32, 33). Even though some beds which had been present in 1994 were absent from Ringold Point, Langford Creek, Cliff and Comegys bights, and in the Corsica River, new beds appeared in the West Fork of Langford Creek, and in Grove, Herrington, Queenstown, Macum, and Piney creeks; and some beds present in 1994 expanded in 1995 (e.g. Grays Inn, Langford, Queenstown, and Jackson creeks) (Figure 15; Appendix B: Maps 21, 26, 32, 33; Orth et al., 1995). There were no ground-truth data in 1995, but in 1994, the Citizens' survey cited M. spicatum, P. perfoliatus, and Z. palustris on the south shore of the Chester River (Appendices B and D: Map 33; Orth et al., 1995).
WT6 contained a total of 31.67 hectares of SAV in 1995, a 71% increase over the 1994 level of 18.54 hectares (Figure 16; Tables 6 and 7). This was the third consecutive year in WT6 that SAV was mapped in increasing amounts; the four years prior to 1993, no SAV was mapped (Figure 16; VIMS SAV GIS Database). The 1995 level was still well below both the highest level (141.27 hectares) recorded in 1978, and the Tier I goal of 236.73 hectares (Figure 16; VIMS SAV GIS Database). The density of SAV also increased in the three past years: in 1995, 2% was classified very sparse, 34% sparse, 48% moderate, and 16% dense; whereas in 1994, 7% was very sparse, 36% sparse, 47% moderate, and 10% dense; and in 1993, 95% was sparse and 5% moderate (Figure 16; Table 8; Orth et al., 1995).
SAV in WT6 in 1995 was mapped in many of the same areas as in 1994: on the south shore of the Magothy River near Ulmsteads Point and South Ferry Point; and on the north shore near North Ferry Point, adjacent to Dobbins Island, along the east shore of Sillery Bay, in Cornfield Creek, and in the Magothy Narrows (Figure 16; Appendix B: Maps 23, 24). Some beds present in 1994 expanded in 1995, especially the fringing beds in the Magothy Narrows; new beds occurred at Hickory Point and by Little Island in Sillery Bay, and at the mouth of Deep Creek on the south shore (Figure 16; Appendix B: Map 24; Orth et al., 1995). Two beds present in 1994 were not mapped in 1995, a dense bed in James Pond and a sparse bed in Cornfield Creek, both north of the Magothy Narrows (Figure 16; Appendix B: Map 24; Orth et al., 1995).
Extensive groundtruthing of WT6 by the USFWS and the Citizens' survey reported R. maritima, P. perfoliatus, P. pectinatus, M. spicatum, a Najas species, and Z. palustris, the latter being by far the most frequently cited and occurring throughout the segment, from headwater tributaries to the mouth of the Magothy River (Appendices B and D: Maps 23, 24). Much less frequently cited, and with a more limited occurrence, were R. maritima, P. perfoliatus, and P. pectinatus, although the latter was seen from the headwaters (once from Old Man Creek) to the mouth occasionally, on both shorelines (Appendices B and D: Maps 23, 24). Myriophyllum spicatum and a Najas species were both cited only once, in the upper Magothy River (Appendices B and D: Maps 23, 24). Of the five species reported in 1994, P. perfoliatus, Z. palustris, R. maritima, P. pectinatus, and V. americana, only the latter was not reported in 1995 (Appendices B and D, Maps 23, 24; Orth et al., 1995).
There were 50.97 hectares of SAV mapped in WT7 in 1995, a 63% increase over 31.32 hectares in 1994 and the highest percentage increase in the Middle Bay Zone (Figure 16; Tables 6 and 7). However, the 1995 level was only 27% of the Tier I goal of 187.76 hectares (Figure 16; VIMS SAV GIS Database). Density increased in 1995: 41% of the SAV was classified dense, 16% moderate, 33% sparse, and 10% very sparse, in contrast to 1994 when none was classified dense, 53% was moderate, 34% sparse, and 12% very sparse (Figure 16; Table 8). SAV beds were mapped in the mainstem Severn River from Round Bay downstream to Joyce, as in 1994, with new beds at the mouths of Round Bay, Brewer Creek, and Ringold Cove (Figure 16; Appendix B: Map 23).
The Citizens' survey and the USFWS reported Potamogeton pusillus, P. perfoliatus, R. maritima, and Z. palustris, the latter two cited most frequently, the latter three noted from Round Bay to Joyce, primarily in the area of the mapped SAV beds, and also in Weems and College creeks at Annapolis (Appendices B and D: Maps 23, 30, 31). There was one report of P. pusillus with Z. palustris in Lake Ogleton at the mouth of the Severn River where an unidentified species and Z. palustris were reported in 1994 (Appendices B and D: Map 31; Orth et al., 1995). Also in 1994, R. maritima, P. perfoliatus, and Z. palustris were reported from WT7 (Orth et al., 1995).
In WT8 in 1995, SAV was mapped in only one sparse bed in the South River, a total of 1.83 hectares and a 71% decline from the 6.36 hectares in 1994 (Figure 16; Tables 6 and 7; Appendix B: Map 30). The 1995 level was far below the Tier I goal of 73.24 hectares (Figure 16; VIMS SAV GIS Database). There was also a decline in density in 1995 in WT8: 100% of the SAV was classified sparse in 1995 compared to 1994 when 86% was sparse and 14% was moderate (Figure 16; Table 8). No SAV was mapped in the Rhode River in 1995, as in 1994, or in the West River where two small, sparse beds were mapped at the mouth in 1994 (Figure 16; Appendix B: Maps 30, 35; Orth et al., 1995). Of the two beds mapped in the South River in 1994, there was an expansion of the bed at the mouth of Brewer Creek in 1995, and the other bed at the mouth of Aberdeen Creek was not mapped in 1995, although Z. palustris and R. maritima were noted there by the Citizens' survey (Figure 16; Appendices B and D: Map 30; Orth et al., 1995). In the South River, an extensive survey by the Citizens reported four species: P. crispus, P. pusillus, Z. palustris, and R. maritima, the latter two cited most frequently (Appendices B and D: Map 30). Potamogeton pusillus was reported only in Ramsay Lake, and P. crispus only in Crab Creek, but Z. palustris and R. maritima were reported in the mainstem and in creeks, from headwater tributaries downstream to Turkey Point on the south shore and Hill Point on the north shore (Appendices B and D: Map 30). The Citizens' survey reported R. maritima from one site in the West River (Appendices B and D: Map 35). In 1994, the Citizens' survey found Z. palustris and R. maritima at numerous locations in the South and Rhode rivers, and unidentified species were also reported once in both rivers and at the mouth of the Rhode River (Orth et al., 1995).
In EE1, there were 1,347.05 hectares of SAV mapped in 1995, an 38% increase over the 976.14 hectares in 1994 (Figure 17; Tables 6 and 7). This is the largest increase in hectares for any segment in the Middle Bay zone as well as in the Chesapeake Bay (Table 6). SAV has steadily increased each year in the Eastern Bay segment since the 1991 low level of 67.93 hectares (Figure 17; Orth et al., 1995). In particular, the SAV on the Kent Island quadrangle (Map 32) portion of EE1 more than doubled from the 1994 level of 252.32 hectares, to 511.79 hectares in 1995 (Table 7; Appendix B). The number of hectares in EE1 represented 11% of the SAV in the Middle Bay zone in 1995 and 54% of the Tier I goal of 2,516.52 hectares (Figure 17; Tables 6 and 7; VIMS SAV GIS Database). SAV in all of the quadrangles in EE1 increased over 1994 levels (Table 7). Dense SAV increased, however, but so did sparse and very sparse SAV, in EE1 in 1995: 16% was classified dense, 20% was moderate, 52% sparse, and 13% very sparse compared to 4% dense, 36% moderate, 49% sparse, and 11% very sparse in 1994 (Figure 17; Table 8).
SAV in EE1 was mapped in: the lower Miles and Wye rivers; Cox Creek; Prospect and Crab Alley bays; adjacent to Parson Island and Piney Neck; and Eastern Bay, between Ferry Cove and Tilghman Point, and along the eastern side of Kent Island (Figure 17; Appendix B: Maps 32, 33, 36, 37). New beds appeared: in Cox and Tanners creeks; adjacent to Philpots Island; and at Hood and Piney points in 1995 (Figure 17; Appendix B: Maps 32, 33, 36). In 1995, there was only one ground-truth site reported for EE1: the Citizens' survey reported R. maritima in the area of Hood Point in Prospect Bay (Appendices B and D: Map 33). In 1994, R. maritima and Z. palustris were reported from EE1, and Zostera marina was erroneously reported (Orth et al., 1995).
In CB4, there was no SAV mapped in 1995, as in 1994 (Figure 18; Tables 6 and 7). There were no ground-truth data reported for CB4 in 1995, however there were ground-truth data for 1994: Z. palustris was reported from two creeks flowing into CB4, in the area of the western shore between the mouths of the Severn and South rivers (Orth et al., 1995).
No SAV was mapped in ET5 in 1995, nor were there any ground-truth data, as in 1994 (Figure 19; Tables 6 and 7; Orth et al., 1995).
In EE2 in 1995, there were 1,498.08 hectares mapped, compared to 1,513.61 hectares in 1994, a decrease of 1.03% (15.53 hectares), and 42% of the Tier I goal of 3,597.03 hectares (Figure 19; Tables 6 and 7; VIMS SAV GIS Database). EE2 contained 12% of the SAV in this zone in 1995 (Tables 6 and 7). There was an overall decline in density compared to 1994: 28% of the SAV was classified dense in 1995, 31% was moderate, 34% sparse, and 7% very sparse, compared to 42% dense, 31% moderate, 26% sparse, and 1% very sparse in 1994 (Figure 19; Table 8).
Five of the nine quadrangles in EE2 declined from 1994 levels (Figure 19; Tables 6 and 7). SAV was reduced in Harris Creek, especially in the Northeast Branch, and in Cummings and Broad creeks (Figure 19; Appendix B: Map 36). On the Tilghman quadrangle, SAV decreased in Blackwalnut and Dun coves, and near Bald Eagle and Change points (Figure 19; Appendix B: Map 43). Only two beds remain in Oyster Cove; the vegetation which was present in Cators, Hooper, and Chapel coves, and Slaughter Creek in 1994, was no longer present in 1995 (Figure 19; Appendix B: Map 62; Orth et al., 1995). SAV also decreased in Irish Creek, and was absent from Haskins Cove and Foxhole Creek. (Figure 19; Appendix B: Map 44). Several new beds were mapped in 1995 in EE2. For the first time in ten years, SAV was detected by aerial photography on Map 38 in the Tred Avon River (Figure 19; Appendix B; VIMS SAV GIS Database). New beds were also noted: in Maxmore, Trippe, Island, Peachblossom, and Brooks creeks; in Flatty and Hills Point coves; and in the Tred Avon River (Figure 19; Appendix B: Maps 44, 45, 51). Other increases occurred at Hambleton Island, Turkey Neck Point, Covey Creek, and at Brannock Bay (Figure 19; Appendix B: Maps 43, 44, 51).
In 1995, the Citizens' survey reported sitings of R. maritima in the area of Hambleton Island and in Broad Creek (Appendices B and D: Maps 37, 43). The Citizens' survey also reported R. maritima and P. pectinatus in the area of Fox Hole Creek off of the Tred Avon River (Appendices B and D: Map 44). Ruppia maritima was also noted by the Citizens' survey in the area of Trippe Bay with an unidentified species (Appendices B and D: Map 51). The Citizens' survey reported several sitings of an unidentified species in Irish Creek off of the Choptank River (Appendices B and D: Map 44). Zannichellia palustris was also noted by the Citizens' survey in Boone Creek on Oxford Neck (Map 44) and in Back Creek off of the Little Choptank River (Map 52) (Appendices B and D). In 1994, only R. maritima and Z. palustris were reported from EE2 (Orth et al., 1995).
In the Patuxent River (LE1, RET1, TF1) there was a decrease of 1.58 hectares reported in 1995, mainly in RET1, and LE1 remained unvegetated (Figure 20; Tables 6 and 7).
In TF1 there were 75.13 hectares mapped in 1995, similar to 75.19 hectares mapped in 1994, exceeding the Tier I goal of 6.47 hectares (Figure 20; Tables 6 and 7; VIMS SAV GIS Database). However, density declined: 45% was classified dense, 36% was moderate, and 19% was sparse in 1995, compared to 82% dense and 18% moderate in 1994 ((Figure 20; Table 8). The SAV beds were located below Waysons Corner (Route 4 Bridge) to North Lower Marlboro (Figure 20; Appendix B: Map 159). In 1995, the Patuxent River Park staff reported H. verticillata, N. guadalupensis, C. demersum, P. pusillus, E. canadensis, V. americana, P. crispus, and N. gracillima; and the Citizens' survey reported P. crispus, C. demersum, E. canadensis, Najas flexilis, N. minor, and an unidentified Najas species (Appendices B and D: Maps 41, 49, 159). In 1994, all the above species were reported in addition to Z. palustris and an unidentified species (Orth et al., 1995).
In 1995 in RET1, no SAV was mapped, in contrast to the 1.52 hectares mapped in 1994, in Swanson Creek (Figure 20; Tables 6 and 7; Orth et al., 1995). There was no ground-truth information for RET1 in 1994, but in 1995 the Patuxent River Park survey noted E. canadensis and an unknown species in Swanson Creek, very near the place where an SAV bed was mapped in 1994 (Appendices B and D: Map 49; Orth et al., 1995).
In LE1, no SAV was mapped in 1995, as in 1994 (Figure 20; Tables 6 and 7). In 1995, the Citizens' survey reported Z. palustris in Long Cove and Battle Creek, in Cuckold Creek and tributaries, and in Saint Leonard Creek (Appendices B and D: Maps 60, 61, 70). There was also a report of Z. palustris in Osborn Cove of Saint Leonards Creek by the USEPA (Appendices B and D: Map 61). In 1994, Z. palustris, R. maritima, M. spicatum, P. pectinatus, and V. americana were reported from LE1 (Orth et al., 1995).
No SAV was mapped in ET6, ET7, or ET10 in 1995 (Figure 21; Tables 6 and 7). None of these segments ever had SAV mapped in the history of the aerial survey (VIMS SAV GIS Database).
There were also no ground-truth data reported for ET6, ET7, and ET10 in 1995, as in 1994 (Appendices B and D: Maps 84, 85, Orth et al., 1995).
SAV increased 40% in ET8, to 93.37 hectares in 1995, from 66.63 hectares mapped in 1994 (Figure 21; Tables 6 and 7). The 1995 level did not meet the Tier I goal of 274.96 hectares (Figure 21; VIMS SAV GIS Database). SAV density also increased in 1995: no SAV was classified very sparse, for either 1994 or 1995; 46% was classified sparse, compared to 77% in 1994; 45% was moderate, compared to 23% in 1994; and 9% was dense, compared to 0% in 1994 (Figure 21; Table 8). Increases occurred around Little Deal Island, Laws Thorofare, and Drum Point Cove (Figure 21; Appendix B: Maps 84, 92, 93). SAV was also mapped in Teaque and Geanquakin creeks, both of which had no SAV in 1994 (Figure 21; Appendix B: Maps 85, 93; Orth et al., 1995). However, SAV did decrease in the Monie quadrangle (Map 85), in Broad Creek, from 5.58 hectares in 1994, to 4.21 hectares in 1995 (Figure 21; Table 7; Appendix B; Orth et al., 1995). Ruppia maritima was reported in ET8 by the Citizens' survey at a site in Laws Thorofare on the north shore of the Manokin River, as in 1994, and by VIMS in Mine Creek on the south shore (Appendices B and D: Maps 84, 93).
ET9 had a total of 179.76 hectares of SAV in 1995, compared to 161.79 hectares mapped in 1994 (Figure 21; Tables 6 and 7). This is an 11% increase in 1995 for ET9 and 49% of the Tier I goal of 364.40 hectares (Figure 21; Tables 6 and 7; VIMS SAV GIS Database). Density increased in 1995 in ET9: 12% of the SAV was classified very sparse, compared to 0% in 1994; 27% was sparse, compared to 34% in 1994; 15% was moderate, compared to 66% in 1994; and 47% was dense, compared to 0% in 1994 (Figure 21; Table 8). Increases in SAV occurred along the Big Annemessex River around Red Hole, Rock Hole, and Mine Cove (Figure 21; Appendix B: Map 93). There were no ground-truth data reported for ET9 in 1995, as in 1994 (Appendices B and D).
SAV in EE3 decreased in 1995 for the second consecutive year ((Figure 22; Tables 6 and 7; Orth et al., 1995). The 1995 level was 63% of the Tier I goal of 6,419.51 hectares (Figure 22; VIMS SAV GIS Database). SAV decreased 11% or 525.67 hectares in EE3, from 4,575.39 hectares in 1994, to 4,049.72 hectares in 1995; while in 1994, SAV decreased 24% or 1,440.20 hectares from the 1993 level (Figure 22; Tables 6 and 7; Orth et al., 1995). Yet despite the 11% decrease in 1995, SAV in EE3 accounted for 33% of the Middle Bay zone total, similar to 34% in 1994 (Figure 22; Tables 6 and 7). In 1995 in segment EE3, SAV decreased in eight quadrangles (Maps 63, 73, 74, 82, 91, 107, 108, and 109), increased (a total of 68.52 hectares) in eight (Maps 83, 84, 92, 93, 99, 100, 101, and 102), and remained without SAV mapped in two (Maps 62 and 75); whereas in 1994, SAV decreased in sixteen of the quadrangles (the eight which decreased in 1995 plus the eight which increased in 1995), increased in none, and remained without SAV mapped in two (Maps 62 and 75) (Table 7; Appendix B; Orth et al., 1995). One quadrangle Map 82) which had SAV mapped (4.24 hectares) in EE3 in 1994, had no SAV mapped in 1995 (Tables 6 and 7; Appendix B; Orth et al., 1995). Map 102, with no SAV mapped in EE3 in 1994, had an increase to 2.53 hectares SAV in 1995, similar to its 2.10 hectare level in 1993 (Tables 6 and 7; Appendix B; Orth et al., 1995).
As in 1994, a majority of the decline in distribution in EE3 occurred in the Honga River, where SAV beds continued to exist although decreased in number and extent: on the western shore along Meekins Neck (Maps 63 and 73), Upper Hooper Island (Map 73), and Middle Hooper Island (Maps 73 and 82); and on the eastern shore along Keenes Point, Wallace and Charles creeks, Wroten and Asquith islands (Map 73), and Fallins, Norman, and Hopkins coves (Maps 74 and 83) (Figure 22; Table 7; Appendix B; Orth et al., 1995). VIMS noted R. maritima at several sites on the eastern shore of the Honga River from Kirwan Neck to Hopkins Cove (Appendices B and D: Maps 73, 74, 83). Zostera marina was reported by VIMS from Muddy Hook Cove on Middle Hooper Island, on the western shore of the Honga River (Appendices B and D: Map 73).
SAV in the Bloodsworth Island quadrangle (Map 83), increased in EE3, from 204.29 hectares in 1994, to 257.09 hectares in 1995, and had a notable increase of SAV detected in Great Cove where none was mapped in 1994 (Figure 22; Table 7; Appendix B; Orth et al., 1995). VIMS reported R. maritima from the south end of Bloodsworth Island (Appendices B and D: Map 83).
In the Kedges Straits quadrangle (Map 91), SAV decreased in EE3, from 175.22 hectares in 1994, to 155.42 hectares in 1995, mainly around South Marsh Island in Pungers Cove, Pungers Creek, Sheepshead Harbor, and Muscle Hole, and around Smith Island in Back Cove (Figure 22; Table 7; Appendix B; Orth et al., 1995). VIMS reported R. maritima from the bed in Pungers Cove (Appendices B and D: Map 91). SAV in EE3 in the Terrapin Sand Point quadrangle (Map 92), which contains the northeast corner of Smith Island (as well as the mouth of the Manokin River), remained essentially the same as in 1994, with beds in all the same sites and with only a 4.06 hectare increase (Figure 22; Table 7; Appendix B; Orth et al., 1995). SAV in the small portion of EE3 on Map 99 (Ewell) increased 0.56 hectares in 1995 in the area of Tyler Creek on Smith Island (Figure 22; Table 7; Appendix B; Orth et al., 1995). SAV in EE3 on Map 100, Great Fox Island quadrangle, increased only 6.25 hectares, however, it continues to have the largest amount (1,126.80 hectares or 28%) of SAV in EE3 (Figure 22; Tables 6 and 7). There were some declines in SAV beds on Map 100 in EE3, mainly around Cedar and Janes islands on the eastern side and, on the western side, in the Big Thorofare on Smith Island; but two new beds also appeared on south Smith Island (Figure 22; Appendix B; Orth et al., 1995). VIMS reported both R. maritima and Z. marina from the eastern and western shores of Tangier Sound on Map 100: both species were reported from Smith Island and Great Fox Island; only R. maritima was reported from the south end of Janes Island at the mouth of the Little Annemessex River (Appendices B and D: Map 100).
In the Tangier Island quadrangle (107Map 107), SAV decreased in EE3 from 353.30 hectares in 1994, to 330.14 hectares in 1995, mainly in the area of Queen Ridge off Goose Island; however, beds north of West Point on Tangier Island increased in size and density, while the bed on the east shore of Watts Island persisted (Figure 22; Table 7; Appendix B; Orth et al., 1995). VIMS reported both R. maritima and Z. marina from Tangier Island beds (Appendices B and D:107Map 107).
In the Chesconnessex quadrangle (Map 108), SAV decreased in EE3 from 568.88 hectares in 1994, to 545.68 hectares in 1995, mainly in the area of Big Marsh, while the contiguous beds north of Scott Island remained essentially the same (Figure 22; Table 7; Appendix B; Orth et al., 1995). VIMS reported both R. maritima and Z. marina from Big Marsh, and only Z. marina from the large contiguous beds north of Scott Island (Appendices B and D: Map 108). SAV in the Parksley quadrangle (Map 109), immediately to the east of Map 108, decreased from 407.32 hectares in 1994, to 390.29 hectares in 1995: the large contiguous SAV beds around Halfmoon and Webb islands persisted but decreased somewhat, especially in Hunting and Doe creeks, and they also decreased in density in some areas; some SAV beds mapped on the eastern shore of Map 109 in 1994 were either decreased in size or not mapped in 1995, especially around Upper Bernard Island and Little Back, Hunting, and Deep creeks, while others were either increased or newly mapped, especially around Byrds Marsh, and Simpson and Peters points (Figure 22; Table 7; Appendix B; Orth et al., 1995). VIMS reported Z. marina and R. maritima from The Thorofare by Webb Island, and only Z. marina at Halfmoon Island (Appendices B and D: Map 109).
Immediately above Byrds Marsh, there were beds mapped (2.53 hectares) in Cattail Creek in 1995 on Map 102, the Saxis quadrangle, which had no SAV in 1994 but had SAV in 1993; however, the rest of Map 102, which includes the eastern portion of Pocomoke Sound, was devoid of SAV (Figure 22; Table 7; Appendix B; Orth et al., 1995). VIMS reported both R. maritima and Z. marina from Cattail Creek; only R. maritima was reported by VIMS at Michael Marsh, north of Cattail Creek (Appendices B and D: Map 102). SAV in EE3 in Map 101, the Crisfield quadrangle, immediately west of Map 102, increased only 0.69 hectares in 1995, from 179.13 hectares in 1994 (Figure 22; Table 7; Appendix B; Orth et al., 1995). The western portion of Pocomoke Sound in EE3 on Map 101 was also devoid of SAV east of Ware Point at the mouth of Ape Hole Creek; but west of the latter point, SAV beds were present essentially as they were in 1994, although somewhat increased in size, along Oystershell Point, Eastward Point, Broad Creek, and Cedar Island (Figure 22; Table 7; Appendix B; Orth et al., 1995). VIMS reported R. maritima in Broad Creek (Appendices B and D: Map 101). In the Little Annemessex River and its tributaries (including Daugherty Creek), north of Broad Creek on Map 101, the SAV beds mapped in 1995 were essentially the same as in 1994 except for: some expansions of beds; five small beds which were newly mapped; and three small beds present in 1994 which were not mapped in 1995 (Figure 22; Table 7; Appendix B; Orth et al., 1995). Both R. maritima and Z. marina were reported by VIMS from the Little Annemessex River area (Appendices B and D: Map 101).
SAV in the portion of EE3 on Map 93, the Marion quadrangle, increased from 29.91 hectares in 1994 to 31.50 hectares in 1995, with new beds in Daugherty Creek (as on the adjacent Map 101 portion of Daugherty Creek) and other beds increased in size at Janes and Hazard islands at the mouth of the Big Annesmessex River (Figure 22; Table 7; Appendix B; Orth et al., 1995).
SAV in the portion of EE3 on Map 84, the Deal Island quadrangle, increased from 0.21 hectares in 1994 to 0.25 hectares in 1995, in the one small bed mapped both years at the north end of Little Deal Island in the mouth of the Manokin River; otherwise, the rest of EE3 on Map 84 was devoid of SAV (Figure 22; Table 7; Appendix B; Orth et al., 1995). Map 92, which was previously discussed above, had other beds mapped in EE3 at the mouth of the Manokin River, at the south end of Little Deal Island and in Hazard Cove (Figure 22; Table 7; Appendix B; Orth et al., 1995).
Also, despite the decrease in distribution, the percentage of SAV classified dense increased from 24% in 1994, to 45% in 1995, the highest level since 1991 when 59% was classified dense (Figure 22; Table 8; Orth et al., 1995). However, the moderate category declined to 17% in 1995, from 31% in 1994; and 10% of the SAV was classified very sparse, 28% sparse, compared with 1994 when 5% was classified very sparse, 39% sparse (Figure 22; Table 8; Orth et al., 1995).
In 1994 in EE3, VIMS only reported R. maritima in the Honga River (Orth et al., 1995).
SAV in 1995 in the Potomac River as a whole (segments LE2, RET2, and TF2 combined) continued to decline from the peak of 3,595 hectares in 1991, which followed six years of increases since 1984 (Figures 23 and 24; Tables 6 and 7; VIMS SAV GIS Database; Orth et al., 1995). The total abundance of SAV in the Potomac River in 1995 (1,906.33 hectares) has not been lower since 1985 when a total of 1,863 hectares were mapped (Tables 6 and 7; VIMS SAV GIS Database). Overall in 1995 in the Potomac River, SAV declined 22% from that in 1994 (2,432.01 hectares) and 47% from that in 1991 (3,595.84 hectares) (Tables 6 and 7; VIMS SAV GIS Database; Orth et al., 1995). Since 1991, the total amount of SAV in the whole river decreased each year despite increases in SAV in one of the three segments, LE2, each year since 1993 (Tables 6 and 7; VIMS SAV GIS Database; Orth et al., 1995). Changes also remained complex within the segments: for example, SAV declined in both RET2 and TF2 in 1995, but there were some areas within these segments where SAV remained very dense and even showed increases in abundance (Figure 24; (Tables 6, 7, and 8). The density and species composition of SAV beds, as well as their locations, further complicated the picture of SAV changes in the Potomac River ((Figures 23 and 24; Tables 8 and 9; Appendices B and D; Orth et al., 1995).
SAV abundance in 1995 in LE2, after increasing in 1993 and 1994, reached the highest level (185.21 hectares) ever recorded since the aerial survey began in 1978, 60% of the Tier I goal of 311.16 hectares (Figure 23; Tables 6 and 7; VIMS SAV GIS Database; Orth et al., 1995). SAV increased 33% from that in 1994 (139.52 hectares); it increased 122% since 1991, when there was a 83.31 hectare peak after two years of increases, which followed three years of declines beginning in 1985; it increased 302% from the 1992 low of 46.10 hectares; it increased 531% since the lowest recorded level of 29.37 hectares in 1987 (Figure 23; Tables 6 and 7; VIMS SAV GIS Database; Orth et al., 1995). Density of SAV increased in 1995 with gains in the moderate category: 68% was dense, 28% moderate, 4% sparse, and 0% very sparse, whereas in 1994, 68% was dense, 9% moderate, 18% sparse, and 5% very sparse (Figure 23; Table 8). However, despite the increases in abundance and density, SAV is absent in most areas of LE2 (Figure 23; Tables 6, 7, and 8).
On the southern shore of the Potomac River in LE2 in 1995, SAV was mapped only in the same few locations as in 1994 (Upper Machodoc, Rosier, and Goldman creeks), and groundtruthing by the Citizens' survey reported only Z. palustris and an unidentified species in Popes Creek (Figure 23; Appendices B and D: Maps 66, 76; Orth et al., 1995). The Citizens' survey in 1994 reported M. spicatum, P. perfoliatus, and Z. palustris in Popes Creek, and Z. palustris in the Lower Machodoc Creek (Orth et al., 1995).
On the northern shore of LE2 in 1995, SAV was mapped in a tributary of the St. Marys River, St. Inigoes Creek, in the same location as in 1993 and near where the Citizens' survey reported R. maritima, the only groundtruthing from the St. Marys' watershed in 1995 (Figure 23; Appendices B and D: Map 80; Orth et al., 1995). No SAV was mapped in the St. Marys River in 1994 (Orth et al., 1995).
Elsewhere on the northern shore of the Potomac River, a new large bed was mapped in 1995 near the mouth of St. Clements Bay along Newtown Neck where the USGS survey also reported R. maritima (Figure 23; Appendices B and D: Maps 69, 78). There was no groundtruthing from St. Clements Bay in 1994 (Orth et al., 1995).
SAV decreased in the Wicomico River: no beds were mapped downstream of Mills Point, where beds were present in 1994; however, the three beds present in 1994 above Mills Point persisted in 1995 (Figure 23; Appendix B: Maps 68, 162; Orth et al., 1995). The USGS surveyed two of the beds in 1995 and found M. spicatum and R. maritima at the bed near the mouth of Budds Creek, while only R. maritima was found at the bed in Chaptico Bay (Appendices B and D; Maps 68, 162). No groundtruthing was reported in 1994 from the Wicomico River (Orth et al., 1995).
SAV was present in St. Catherine Sound at the mouth of the Wicomico River, where it was present in 1994, and there was also one new bed mapped (Figure 23; Appendix B: Maps 68, 77; Orth et al., 1995). Ruppia maritima was reported by the USGS survey in 1995 from these sites and, additionally, from St. Catherine Island (Appendices B and D: Maps 68, 77). No groundtruthing was reported from St. Catherine Sound in 1994 (Orth et al., 1995). The USGS survey also reported M. spicatum, and the Citizens' survey reported Z. palustris, near the mouth of the Wicomico River in 1995, near Cobb Island (Appendices B and D: Map 68). No groundtruthing was reported from Cobb Island in 1994, however, SAV beds were mapped near there in 1994 which were not mapped in 1995 (Figure 23; Appendices B and D: Map 68; Orth et al., 1995).
SAV remained abundant in Cuckhold Creek and in the Morgantown area, from above Lower Cedar Point to Loyd Point, and showed modest increases, including one new bed in Picowaxen Creek (Figure 23; Appendix B: Map 67). The 1995 USGS survey reported: M. spicatum, P. perfoliatus, R. maritima, and E. canadensis in Cuckold Creek; P. perfoliatus and R. maritima from the Lower Cedar Point area; and P. perfoliatus, P. pectinatus, and R. maritima from Picowaxen Creek (Appendices B and D: Map 67). In 1994, groundtruthing was reported by the Patuxent River Park staff, only from Cuckold Creek: M. spicatum, P. perfoliatus, E. canadensis, Z. palustris, and an unidentified species which was erroneously reported as Z. marina in the 1994 SAV report (Orth et al., 1995).
In RET2 in 1995, after decreasing levels in 1993 and 1994, SAV declined to its lowest recorded level (1,077.51 hectares) since 1987, which followed five years of increases (Figure 24; Tables 6 and 7; VIMS SAV GIS Database). There was an 18% decrease in SAV abundance from the 1994 level of 1,310.23 hectares, and a 30% decrease from the high of 1,551.67 hectares in 1992, however, the 1995 level was 59% of the Tier I goal of 1,815.23 hectares (Figure 24; Tables 6 and 7; VIMS SAV GIS Database). In 1995 in RET2, 90% of the SAV was classified dense, 3% was moderate, 7% sparse, and only 1% very sparse, similar to 1994 when 88% was dense, 5% was moderate, 5% sparse, and 2% very sparse (Figure 24; Table 8). SAV decreased in the upper portion, but remained abundant in the lower portion, of RET2 in 1995 (Figure 24). Hydrilla verticillata was reported, usually with other species, from the TF2 line, to Potomac Creek on the south shore, and to the Port Tobacco River on the north shore (Appendices B and D: Maps 47, 55, 57, 64, 66).
In the lower portion of the RET2, beds mapped in 1994 near the Harry Nice Memorial Bridge persisted on both shores in 1995 (Figure 24; Appendix B: Maps 66, 67; Orth et al., 1995). Groundtruthing by the USGS survey reported P. perfoliatus, M. spicatum, V. americana, R. maritima, and E. canadensis, only from the east bank south of the bridge, whereas in 1994, the Citizens' survey only reported P. perfoliatus and V. americana from the west bank north of the bridge (Appendices B and D: Maps 66, 67; Orth et al., 1995).
Elsewhere in the lower portion of RET2, SAV persisted much the same as in 1994: along Popes Creek, in the Port Tobacco River, in Nanjemoy Creek, along Cedar Point Neck, along Riverside and Wellington Beach, and on both sides of Maryland Point, all on the north shore; and along Mathias Point Neck and Somerset Beach, on the south shore (Figure 24; Appendix B: Maps 56, 57, 58, 65; Orth et al., 1995). Also on the south shore, SAV beds were mapped in the mouth of Choptank Creek for the first time since 1992, but there was no groundtruthing to indicate the species present (Figure 24; Appendix B: Map 66; Orth et al., 1993). The USGS survey reported: R. maritima from Popes Creek in 1995, but nothing was reported there in 1994; V. americana, P. perfoliatus, and P. pectinatus from Mathias Point Neck, the Port Tobacco River, Cedar Point Neck, Nanjemoy Creek and the bed along Riverside in 1995, the same species reported by VIMS in 1994, however, H. verticillata was also reported in the Port Tobacco River in 1994; H. verticillata, M. spicatum, V. americana, N. minor, and C. demersum near Maryland Point, and H. verticillata, M. spicatum, V. americana, and N. minor from Somerset Beach, where no groundtruthing was reported in 1994 (Appendices B and D: Maps 56, 57, 58, 65; Orth et al., 1995).
On the west shore of RET2, SAV increased in Potomac Creek in 1995, and extensive groundtruthing by the USGS reported H. verticillata, M. spicatum, V. americana, C. demersum, N. guadalupensis, H. dubia, and N. minor, the same species they reported in 1994 (Figure 24; Tables 6 and 7; Appendices B and D: Map 64; Orth et al., 1995). Elsewhere on the west shore of RET2, SAV in Aquia Creek increased in 1995, but SAV in the mainstem Potomac River north of Aquia Creek to Chopawamsic Creek decreased greatly from that in 1994; there were lesser decreases north of Chopawamsic Creek to Quantico and also on the east shore, but they were not as noticeable (Figure 24; Appendix B: Maps 47, 55; Orth et al., 1995). The USGS reported H. verticillata, M. spicatum, V. americana, C. demersum, H. dubia, and N. minor from Aquia Creek in 1995, and H. verticillata, M. spicatum, V. americana, C. demersum, and N. minor north of there in the mainstem Potomac River (Appendices B and D: Map 55). The same species were reported from Aquia Creek in 1994 except for H. dubia; north of Aquia Creek P. perfoliatus and P. pectinatus were reported in 1994, but C. demersum and N. minor were not reported (Orth et al., 1995). The USGS reported H. verticillata, C. demersum, and N. minor from Chopawamsic Creek in 1995, where no groundtruthing was reported in 1994 (Appendices B and D: Map 47; Orth et al., 1995). North of Chopawamsic Creek to Quantico, and around Chopawamsic Island, the USGS reported >H. verticillata, C. demersum, M. spicatum, and N. minor in 1995, but only reported H. verticillata, M. spicatum, and H. dubia in 1994 (Appendices B and D: Map 47; Orth et al., 1995).
On the east shore of RET2 in Maps 47 and 55, the USGS reported H. verticillata, C. demersum, M. spicatum, and V. americana in 1995, the same species reported in 1994 with H. dubia (Appendices B and D; Orth et al., 1995).
SAV decreased 34% in TF2, from 982.26 hectares in 1994, to 643.61 hectares in 1995 (Figure 24; Tables 6 and 7). This is the lowest level since 1984 (619.51 hectares) and follows declining years and a 68% decrease since 1991, when it had reached its highest level (2,044.19 hectares) since the aerial survey began (Figure 24; Orth et al., 1995; VIMS SAV GIS Database). The 1995 level is 22% of the Tier I goal of 2,984.04 hectares (Figure 24; VIMS SAV GIS Database). Despite the decrease in total hectares in TF2 in 1995, the percentage of SAV classified dense increased from 73% in 1994, to 82% in 1995, the highest since 1991 (78%), and the percentages classified sparse and very sparse decreased: 8% classified moderate, 8% sparse, and 2% very sparse in 1995 compared to 10% moderate, 9% sparse, and 9% very sparse in 1994 (Figure 24; Table 8; Orth et al., 1995).
SAV in TF2 was located on both the eastern and western shores of the Potomac River, from the D.C. area in the northern part of TF2, including from the Georgetown area above the Theodore Roosevelt Bridge (Map 28), and from the East Capitol Street Bridge on the Anacostia River (Map 29), to the southern boundary of TF2, at Quantico on the western shore (Map 47) and at Chicamuxen Creek on the eastern shore (Map 48) (Figure 24; Appendix B). The lower portion from the Woodrow Wilson Bridge (Map 34) to Quantico (Map 47) continued to show reduced abundances of SAV, while above the bridge, SAV continued to thrive and even expand, e.g. Roosevelt Island (Map 28) (Figure 24; Appendix B; Orth et al., 1995).
In 1995, SAV in the most northern portion of TF2 was mapped in essentially the same locations as in 1994 on Maps 28, 29, 34, and 176, including the Potomac River from Georgetown to Columbia Island, the Anacostia River, and the Washington Channel, although beds increased in size (approximately 16.00 hectares), especially around Theodore Roosevelt Island (Figure 24; Appendix B; Orth et al., 1995). Hydrilla verticillata was again the most frequently reported species in these locations: the USGS reported H. verticillata in the Anacostia River both in 1994 and 1995, but in 1995, C. demersum, V. americana, H. dubia, and M. spicatum were reported as well; the USGS reported H. verticillata in the Washington Channel with C. demersum, V. americana, and M. spicatum, both in 1994 and 1995, but in 1994, H. dubia and N. guadalupensis were reported as well; the USGS reported H. verticillata with H. dubia in this portion of the Potomac River in 1995, and with M. spicatum in 1994; and, finally, the Citizens' survey reported H. verticillata in this portion of the river with C. demersum, V. americana, an unidentified naiad, and an unidentified species in 1995 (Appendices B and D: Maps 28, 29, 34, 176; Orth et al., 1995).
SAV experienced some decreases in 1995 in the Potomac River on Maps 34, 39, and 40, including that portion of TF2 from the Pentagon downstream to the mouth of the Pomonkey Creek on the east shore, and to Mason Neck, including Belmont Bay, on the west shore (Figure 24; Table 7; Appendix B). On Map 34 in 1995, SAV was mapped in essentially the same locations as in 1994, except that two new beds were mapped in and near the mouth of Broad Creek, and two new beds were mapped just north of I-95; the only large change was a decrease in the southern portion of the large bed by the Woodward Wilson Bridge (Map 34), while the northern portion of the bed remained dense and little changed from earlier surveys (Figure 24; Appendix B; Orth et al., 1995). On Map 39 in 1995, SAV was also mapped in essentially the same locations as in 1994, except that beds disappeared or decreased in Belmont Bay (23.60 hectares), and decreased in Gunston Cove (7.23 hectares), Accotink Bay (1.99 hectares), and at Gunston Manor (1.95 hectares), accounting for the loss of hectares to this quadrangle (Figure 24; Table 7; Appendices B and C; Orth et al.,1995). However, SAV increased elsewhere on Map 39, on Mason Neck (5.90 hectares) for example, and a new bed in Gunston Cove (0.16 hectares), to partially offset the losses elsewhere on this quadrangle (Figure 24; Table 7; Appendices B and C; Orth et al., 1995). On Map 40 in 1995, SAV was also mapped in essentially the same locations as in 1994, except that increases occurred in beds along Collingwood on the west shore (1.22 hectares) and the shore opposite (1.19 hectares), and along Marshall Hall and the River Road to Fenwick (2.42 hectares), which partially offset losses in hectares elsewhere in this quadrangle, such as in Piscataway and Broad creeks (Figure 24; Table 7; Appendices B and C; Orth et al., 1995). In 1995, as in 1994, H. verticillata was reported frequently and extensively by the USGS throughout most of this portion of TF2, usually with one or more other species, including C. demersum, V. americana, H. dubia, M. spicatum, N. minor, N. guadalupensis, P. pectinatus, and P. crispus, although H. dubia was not reported below Rosier Bluff (Map 34) in 1995, and the latter three species were each reported only once or twice (the latter two were not reported at all in 1994) (Appendices B and D: Maps 34, 39, 40; Orth et al., 1995).
In 1995, as in 1994, SAV was absent from the Port Tobacco quadrangle (Map 161), the northwest corner of which has a small portion of the Potomac River in TF2 (Figure 24; Table 7; Orth et al., 1995Map 161 in 1995, as in 1994 (Appendix D; Orth et al., 1995).
The biggest loss of SAV in TF2 (308.20 hectares) was from both shores of the Potomac River in the Quantico and Indian Head quadrangles (Maps 47 and 48): especially from Neabsco, Powell, and Quantico creeks, and the shoreline south of Cockpit Point, all on the west shore; and from Mattawoman Creek, and, especially, the shoreline from Indian Head to Deep Point and Chicamuxen Creek, on the east shore (Figure 24; Table 7; Appendix B; Orth et al., 1995). There were no new beds mapped in TF2 on these two quadrangles in 1995; the majority of beds mapped in 1994 either decreased in size or disappeared entirely, and there were increases in only two, bed F4 (3.67 hectares) in the mouth of Quantico Creek on Map 47, and bed G3 (1.01 hectares) in the narrow upstream portion of Chicamuxen Creek on Map 48 (Appendices B and C; Orth et al., 1995). In 1995 in Maps 47 and 48, as in 1994, H. verticillata was reported by the USGS from both shorelines, usually with one or more other species, including C. demersum, V. americana, M. spicatum, N. minor, and H. dubia, although H. dubia was reported only once (Appendix B: Maps 47, 48; Orth et al., 1995). In 1995, H. verticillata was commonly reported with only N. minor in this portion of TF2 from some sites in both Mattawoman and Chicamuxen creeks, as well as from one site below Cockpit Point on the western shore of the Potomac River (Appendices B and D: Map 48). In 1995, H. dubia was reported only once on this portion of TF2, on Map 48 at Potomac Heights on the eastern shore of the Potomac River, after being reported upstream last at Rosier Bluff (Map 34), also on the eastern shore of the Potomac River (Appendices B and D). In 1994, H. dubia was reported from Maps 39 and 40, as well as being reported from on Maps 47 and 48 in the large bed in the mouth of Chicamuxen Creek (Orth et al., 1995).
In CB5, SAV decreased 13% (459.08 hectares), from 3,533.27 hectares mapped in 1994, to 3,074.19 hectares in 1995, 48% of the Tier I goal of 6,350.68 hectares (Figure 25; Tables 6 and 7; VIMS SAV GIS Database). Despite this decline, the 1995 level was 25% of the SAV in the Middle Bay zone, the second highest percentage in this zone (Tables 6 and 7). SAV totals increased only slightly in two quadrangles in CB5 in 1995 (Maps 100, 107) and declined in seven of nine quadrangles (Maps 82, 83, 91, 99, 106, 112, 179) (Figure 25; Table 7; Appendix B). SAV was absent in Map 82 in 1995, compared to 1994 when there were 10.43 hectares mapped at Cow Cove on Hooper Island (Table 7; Appendix B; Orth et al., 1995). SAV density increased in 1995: 35% was classified dense compared to 21% in 1994; and 5% was moderate, 51% was sparse, and 9% was very sparse in 1995, while 24% was moderate, 47% sparse, and 8% was very sparse in 1994 (Figure 25: Table 8).
On the eastern side of CB5 in 1995, reduction or absence of beds mapped in 1994 occurred at: Pone and Northeast coves, and Adam and Holland islands, on Map 83; Sheapshead Harbor, and Smith, Troy, and Swan islands, on Map 91; Smith Island, Rhodes Point, and Tyler Creek, on Map 99; and Big Thorofare on Map 100 (Figure 25; Appendix B; Orth et al., 1995). SAV distribution was similar to 1994 at Goose and Tangier islands, on Maps 107 and 179, except more SAV was classified dense in 1995 (Figure 25; Appendix B; Orth et al., 1995). SAV increased at Thorofare Island and at Horse Hammock Point on Smith Island in 1995 (Figure 25; Appendix B: Maps 100, 107). On the eastern side of CB5 in 1995, VIMS reported Z. marina and R. maritima at southern Smith Island and at the Fishbone Island area; only R. maritima was reported at Holland and South Marsh islands, and at the north end of Smith Island (Appendices B and D: Maps 83, 91, 99). No groundtruthing was reported from the eastern side of CB5 in 1994 (Orth et al., 1995).
On the western side of CB5 in 1995, less SAV was mapped in Dividing, Dymer, and Prentice creeks, and SAV was absent in Ingram Cove on Map 112, compared to 1994 (Figure 25; Appendix B; Orth et al., 1995). SAV beds, while somewhat reduced, were still abundant at Fleets Bay on Map 112, and at Dameron Marsh and Cloverdale Creek on Map 106, while new beds were mapped at Ball Creek and Fleet Point on Map 106, and at Indian Creek on Map 112 (Figure 25; Appendix B).
In the western side of CB5 in 1995, the Citizens' survey reported Z. palustris, R. maritima, and Z. marina as in 1994, and an unknown species (Appendices B and D: Maps 71, 106, 112). In the Hog Point areas of Goose, Harper, and Pearson creeks, as well as Pine Hill Run, near the mouth of the Patuxent River, there were many sitings of Z. palustris, as well as one siting in Pearson Creek of R. maritima and an unidentified species, which was most likely either Z. palustris or Z. marina (Appendices B and D: Maps Map 71). There were several sitings of R. maritima, and one siting of an unidentified species, in the Great Wicomico River (Appendices B and D: Map 106). Both R. maritima and Z. marina were reported from beds adjacent to Dameron Marsh, from the Dividing Creek area, and from the Fleets Bay area (Appendices B and D: Maps 106, 112).
LE3, the Lower Rappahannock River, the only one of the Rappahannock River segments with SAV from 1971-1995, decreased 51% in 1995 (Figure 26; Tables 6 and 7; VIMS SAV GIS Database).
The Upper Rappahannock River segment (TF3) and Middle Rappahannock River segment (RET3) had no SAV reported since the aerial survey began in 1971 (Figure 26; VIM SAV GIS Database).
SAV in LE3 decreased 51% in 1995, to 96.79 hectares, from 196.51 hectares in 1994 (Figure 26; Tables 6 and 7). LE3 had only 1.12% of the SAV in the Lower Bay zone in 1995 and only 6% of the Tier I goal (1,752.45 hectares) (Figure 26; Table 6; VIMS SAV GIS Database). Density declined in 1995: 69% of the SAV was classified very sparse, an increase over the 42% classified very sparse in 1994; SAV that was classified sparse decreased from 51% in 1994, to 27% in 1995; SAV that was classified moderate decreased from 6% in 1994, to 4% in 1995; no SAV was classified dense, a decrease from the 2% classified dense in 1994 (Figure 26; Table 8).
In LE3, some of the beds were reduced in size or absent compared with 1994 in the Rappahannock, Piankatank, and Corrotoman rivers, with most of the decline in the western branch of the latter (Figure 26; Appendix B: Maps 111, 118, 123; Orth et al., 1995). Only one small bed was mapped at the mouth of Piankatank River, at Stove Point Neck, a bed that was planted in 1994 as part of the VIMS seagrass restoration program funded by the Virginia Saltwater Recreational License Fund; the bed at Burton Point in 1994 was absent (Figure 26; Appendix B: Map 118: Orth et al., 1995). SAV beds at Gwynn Island were reduced in size compared to 1994 (Figure 26; Appendix B: Map 118, 123; Orth et al., 1995). On the north shore of the Rappahannock River, SAV beds were still present although reduced, at Carter and Mosquito creeks and at Windmill Point, and new beds were mapped at Corrotoman Point and west of the Norris Bridge; on the south shore, the one bed mapped at Parrot Island in 1994 was absent in 1995 (Figure 26; Appendix B: Maps 111, 117, and 118; Orth et al., 1995).
In 1995, R. maritima and Z. marina were reported from LE3, as in 1994 (Appendices B and D: Maps 111, 118, 123). Only R. maritima was reported from the north shore of the Rappahannock River, by VIMS and Citizens' surveys, at the mouths of the Corrotoman River and Carter Creek, and from just west of the Norris Bridge (Appendices B and D: Map 111). Zostera marina and R. maritima were reported by VIMS from the mouth of the Piankatank River: only Z. marina was reported from the eastern side of Stove Point Neck and from the southern shore of Gwynn Island in Milford Haven; both Z. marina and R. maritima were reported at the north end of Gwynn Island (Appendices B and D: Maps 111, 118 ).
SAV in CB6 decreased for the second consecutive year, to 509.10 hectares in 1995, a 14% decrease from 1994, the lowest level since 509.22 hectares in 1990, and 65% of the Tier I goal of 785.80 hectares (Figure 27; Tables 6 and 7; VIMS SAV GIS Database). SAV decreased from the 1993 survey high of 756.69 hectares, to 592.33 hectares in 1994 (Figure 27; VIMS SAV GIS Database).
Despite decreases in SAV in CB6, the percentage of SAV classified dense increased for the first time since 1989: 41% in 1995, compared to 10% in 1994 (Figure 27; Table 8; VIMS SAV GIS Database). Conversely, the percentage of moderate SAV decreased from 44% in 1994, to 12% in 1995 (Figure 27; Table 8). Very sparse and sparse SAV remained at essentially the same levels, 17% and 29%, respectively, in 1995, as in 1994, 18% and 28%, respectively (Figure 27; Table 8).
SAV was present from New Point Comfort to Winter Harbor, and at Windmill Point and Gwynn Island, as in 1994 (Figure 27; Appendix B, Maps 118, 123, 132, 177, 178). Most of the decline occurred in Map 123, which had 64.10 hectares less in 1995 than in 1994 (and 146.32 hectares less in 1994 than in 1993) with the apparent decreases at Milford Haven, The Hole in the Wall, Whites Creek, and Winter Harbor (Figure 27; Table 7; Appendix B: Map 123; Orth et al., 1995).
VIMS reported R. maritima and Z. marina in 1995, from a few sites on the western boundary of CB6, as in 1994: Z. marina at Windmill Point; and R. maritima and Z. marina from Gwynn Island and from The Hole In The Wall (Appendices B and D: Maps 118, 123).
CB7 continued to have the second largest amount of SAV in the Lower Bay zone (38% in 1995), as it has since the aerial survey began (Figure 27; Table 6; VIMS SAV GIS Database).
There was a decrease in SAV in 1995: from the high point of 4,183.80 hectares in 1993; to 3,748.74 hectares in 1994; to 3,321.33 hectares in 1995 (Figure 27; Tables 6 and 7; Orth et al., 1995). The 1995 level was 73% of the Tier I goal of 4,559.60 hectares (Figure 27; VIMS SAV GIS Database). The percentage of SAV classified dense increased in 1995, to 35%, after decreasing each year from 1990 to 1994 (45% to 23%) (Figure 27; Table 8; Orth et al., 1995). The SAV classified very sparse also increased, from 16% in 1994, to 29% in 1995 (Figure 27; Table 8). Sparse and moderate SAV decreased: 23% was sparse in 1995, and 40% in 1994; 13% was moderate in 1995, and 21% in 1994 (Figure 27; Table 8).
Large beds persisted at the mouth of Cherrystone Inlet and Kings Creek near Cape Charles, at the mouth of the Gulf, and at the mouths of Old Plantation, Elliotts, Mattawoman, Hungars, Nassawadox, Occohannock, Craddock, Nandua, Butcher, Pungoteague, Matchotank, Onancock, Back, Chesconessex, and Pompco creeks (Figure 27; Appendix B: Maps 108, 113, 114, 119, 124, 133, 134, 142). Large beds also occurred at the Big Marsh area (Figure 27; Appendix B: Map 108). SAV beds were mapped at Cod Harbor on Tangier Island, and at Watts Island (Figure 27; Appendix B: Map 107). There was no SAV mapped from Pond Drain, below Elliotts Creek (Map 142), to Fisherman Island in the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay (Figure 27; Appendix B).
VIMS reported both R. maritima and Z. marina in 1995 from The Gulf and Cape Charles, and from the mouths of Pompco, Matchotank, Pungoteague, Nassawadox, and Hungars creeks (Appendices B and D: Maps 108, 114, 124, 133, 134). The Citizens' survey reported an unknown species at Watts Island (Map 107) and also in Onancock Creek along with Z. marina in 1995 (Appendices B and D: Map 114). VIMS reported only R. maritima at the mouth of Occohannock Creek (Map 119) in 1995, while Citizens reported only R. maritima at Nassawadox Point, as in 1994 (Appendices B and D: Map 124). VIMS reported only Z. marina from the mouths of Nandua and Craddock creeks, and Cherrystone Inlet (Map 113) (In 1994, R. maritima was also reported at Cherrystone Inlet.) and near Parkers Marsh and Finney Island (Map 114), while Citizens reported Z. marina at the mouth of Matchotank Creek (Appendices B and D: Map 114; Orth et al., 1995).
WE4 had the largest amount of SAV in the Lower Bay zone in 1995 (53%), as it has throughout the history of the aerial survey (Figure 28; Tables 6 and 7; VIMS SAV GIS Database). In WE4 there was a slight increase in SAV, from 4,592.67 hectares in 1994, to 4,608.55 hectares in 1995 (Figure 28; Tables 6 and 7). This is still less than the 4,635.34 hectares in 1993, the highest level reported since the aerial survey began (Figure 28; VIMS SAV GIS Database). Almost 79% of the Tier I goal of 5,843.98 hectares was attained in 1995 (Figure 28; VIMS SAV GIS Database). The majority of SAV in WE4 continued to be classified dense, however, the percentage decreased from 71% in 1994, to 69% in 1995 (Figure 28; Table 8). The percentage classified very sparse and that classified sparse, 8% and 12%, respectively, in 1994, were 6% and 16%, respectively, in 1995; and that classified moderate, 9%, in 1994, was 8% in 1995 (Figure 28; Table 8).
WE4 continued in 1995 to have some of the more extensive SAV beds on the western shore of the lower Chesapeake Bay: along the entire shoreline of Mobjack Bay; as well as the lower reaches of the Severn, Ware, North, East, Poquoson, York, and Back rivers (Figure 28; Appendix B: Maps 122, 123, 131, 132, 140, 141, 147). VIMS and Citizens' surveys reported Z. marina and R. maritima from Maps 131 and 132, as in 1994, but not from Map 140: R. maritima alone was sited in the East River; Z. marina alone was sited near Allen Island and Sandy Point in the York River; and Z. marina and R. maritima were sited near Browns Bay and from the Guinea Marshes at the mouth of the York River (Appendices B and D: Maps 131, 132; Orth et al., 1995).
In the York River there was a slight increase of SAV reported for 1995, from LE4, the only segment to have any SAV throughout the history of the aerial survey (Figure 29; VIMS SAV GIS Database).
SAV in LE4 continued to increase slightly in 1995 (6%), as it has each year since 1991, from 78.29 hectares in 1994, to 82.79 hectares in 1995, 27% of the Tier I goal of 305.69 hectares (Figure 29; Tables 6, 7; Orth et al., 1995; VIMS SAV GIS Database). LE4 continued to have the majority (67% in 1995) of SAV classified as dense, as it has since 1985, although this is a decline from 77% dense in 1994 and 86% dense in 1993 and 1992 (Figure 29; Table 8; VIMS SAV GIS Database). LE4 had 13% classified moderate in 1995, whereas none was moderate in 1994; 15% was very sparse and 5% sparse in 1995, whereas 12% was very sparse and 11% sparse in 1994 (Figure 29; Table 8).
SAV was documented for a portion of the south shore of the York River downstream from the Coleman Bridge, as in 1994, for the third year in a row, and was absent upstream of the Coleman Bridge along the south shore except for three small beds (Figure 29; Appendix B: Maps 139, 140; Orth et al., 1995). Along the north shore, beds were located from the Coleman Bridge to the mouth, with none upstream of the bridge, as in 1994 (Figure 29; Appendix B: Maps 139, 140; Orth et al., 1995). VIMS noted Z. marina on the north shore at Gloucester Point, east of the Coleman Bridge, and along the south shore adjacent to the U.S. Naval Supply Center and to Yorktown, both east and west of the Coleman Bridge (Appendices B and D: Maps 139, 140).
TF4 and RET4 had no SAV mapped in 1995, as has been the case since 1971 (Figure 29; Tables 6 and 7; VIMS SAV GIS Database). No ground-truth data were reported for TF4 in 1995, as in 1994 (Orth et al., 1995). VIMS reported six species (P. pectinatus, Z. palustris, E. canadensis, P. crispus, C. demersum, and Nitella sp.) from one site in the upper Poropotank River, a tributary of the York River, in RET4, in 1995. The last reported VIMS survey of SAV in the Poropotank River in 1978 found all these species except P. crispus and Nitella sp. (Orth et al., 1979).
SAV abundance in the James River (LE5, RET5, TF5) in 1995 increased from that in 1994, although SAV was still mapped only at one location in LE5 (Figure 30; Tables 6 and 7). The distribution of SAV in LE5 also changed in 1995 as three new beds appeared (Figure 30; Appendix B: Map 147).
SAV increased 152% in LE5 to 15.40 hectares in 1995, compared to 6.10 hectares in 1994 (Figure 30; Tables 6 and 7). The 1995 level is 97% of the Tier I goal of 15.89 hectares (Figure 30; VIMS SAV GIS Database). No SAV was classified dense in 1995, as in 1994, a decline from 100% dense in 1993 (Figure 30; Table 8; Orth et al., 1995). Approximately the same amount was classified moderate as in 1994, 6.11 hectares in the same persistent bed; the remaining 9.29 hectares was classified very sparse, mainly in three new beds (Figure 30; Table 8; Appendices B and C: Map 147).
For the first time since 1987, the distribution of SAV changed in LE5: until 1995 only one bed was mapped in the mainstem of the river, at the mouth of Hampton River adjacent to the Veterans Affairs Medical Center (Figure 30; Appendix B: Map 147; VIMS SAV GIS Database). This bed persisted and increased in 1995, and three new adjacent beds were mapped, all reported by VIMS to be Z. marina (Figure 30; Appendices B and D: Map 147). Beds U1 and V1 included small plots of Z. marina, transplanted in the fall of 1994 as part of the VIMS seagrass restoration program funded by the Virginia Saltwater Recreational License Fund (Appendices B and D: Map 147).
TF5 and RET5 had no SAV mapped and no ground-truth data reported in 1995, as in 1994 (Figure 30; Tables 6 and 7; Orth et al., 1995).
SAV mapped in CB8 in 1995 totaled 17.00 hectares, a decrease of 60% from the 42.65 hectares in 1994 (the highest level since 43.20 hectares were mapped in 1986), and was below the Tier I goal of 71.18 hectares (Figure 31; Tables 6 and 7; VIMS SAV GIS Database). There were 3.32 hectares (or 20%) of dense SAV in 1995, a change from 1991-1994 when none were dense; there was no SAV classified moderate in 1995 and 1994, a decline from 33% in 1993; there was 28% sparse SAV and 52% very sparse SAV in 1995, a contrast with 1994 when 69% was sparse and 31% was very sparse (Figure 31; Table 8; Orth et al., 1995).
In 1995, SAV remained abundant in Broad Bay as in the past several years, but was not present in Linkhorn Bay as in 1994 or, before that, in 1990 (Figure 31; Appendix B: Map 152; Orth et al., 1995). SAV was mapped in Little Creek for the first time in the history of the aerial SAV survey (Figure 31; Appendix B: Map 151; VIMS SAV GIS Database). The size and density of this bed suggested it was developing for the past few years, and re-examination of previous years aerial photography found the SAV signature, which apparently went undetected prior to this primarily because of its isolated location.
VIMS and Citizens' surveys found only one species in CB8 in 1995: Z. marina was noted in Broad Bay and Little Creek Channel (Appendices B and D: Maps 151, 152). No R. maritima was noted in Broad Bay or in Linkhorn Bay in 1995, although it was found there in 1994 (Appendices B and D: Maps 151, 152; Orth et al., 1995).
This section name, Chincoteague Bay, (except where noted) in the text, tables, and figures refers to a composite of four Atlantic coast, barrier island bays of the Delmarva peninsula: Chincoteague, Sinepuxent, Assawoman, and Isle of Wight bays. There were 3,758.29 hectares of SAV mapped in 1995 in these bays, compared to 4,117.53 hectares in 1994, a decline of 359.24 hectares or 9% (Figure 32; Tables 5, 6, 7). Density declined in 1995, when a majority of the SAV (64%) was in the dense and moderate classes combined (15% dense; 49% moderate), compared to 86% in 1994; the sparse and very sparse density classes combined contained 36% (24% sparse; 12% very sparse), compared to13% in 1994 (Figure 32; Tables 8 and 9). In 1994, 55% was classified dense, 31% moderate, 12% sparse, and 1% very sparse (Figure 32; Table 8). Since 1991, the largest percentage of SAV in the Chincoteague Bay section was classified dense, 54% or above each year, and that classified very sparse was 5% or under each year (Figure 32; Orth et al., 1995).
The total hectares for the component bays of this section in 1995 are: Chincoteague Bay proper, 3,390.77 hectares; Sinepuxent Bay, 223.16 hectares; Isle of Wight Bay, 20.82 hectares; Assawoman Bay, 113.72 hectares (Figure 32; Appendices B and C: Maps 166, 167, 168, 170, 172, 173, 174, 175). Most SAV in Chincoteague and Sinepuxent bays was located along the eastern sides of both the bays, although Sinepuxent Bay had some beds on the western side from Sandy Point to Green Point, and from Grays Point to Fassett Point (Figure 32; Appendix B: Maps 167, 168, 170). SAV was located along the eastern sides of Isle of Wight and Assawoman bays (Figure 32; Appendix B: Maps 166, 167, 168).
The VIMS and Citizens' surveys (including the National Park Service and the Ocean Pines Boat Club) reported two species, Z. marina and R. maritima, from this section. Zostera marina and R. maritima were found throughout Chincoteague and Sinepuxent bays, as in 1994, while only R. maritima was found in Assawoman and Isle of Wight bays (Appendices B and D: Maps 166, 167, 168, 170, 172-175). Both Z. marina and R. maritima were reported in 1994 from Assawoman Bay but there was no groundtruthing from Isle of Wight Bay in 1994 (Orth et al., 1995).