USGS Chesapeake Accomplishments and Highlights for 2024
Completed
By Chesapeake Bay Activities
January 15, 2025
As a home to 18 million people and a destination for countless visitors seeking recreational opportunities, the health of the Chesapeake Bay watershed is of critical importance. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is a leading provider of data-driven insights about the condition of the watershed’s lands, waters, fish, and wildlife. These insights and our collaborative work with partners throughout the watershed help guide effective restoration and conservation activities that provide clean water for people, improve fish and wildlife habitat, promote recreational opportunities, and protect the economic value of the region.
Selected Accomplishments from 2024
Selected Accomplishments from 2024
Central to the USGS’s mission is communicating the results of our studies to partners and stakeholders who rely on the information to make critical management decisions. The selected communication products listed below represent the broad range of topics addressed by USGS Chesapeake Bay studies in 2024, all of which were shared with partners throughout the year.
Click on the hyperlinks below to learn more about these products.
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
Management-Practice Effects
Management-Practice Effects
Your land, your water—Using research to guide conservation practices on local farms in the Chesapeake Bay watershed
Agricultural and urban management practices have hidden costs and benefits to stream health
New insights for reducing nutrient and sediment loads in agricultural watersheds prioritized for management activities
Connecting conservation practices to local stream health in the Chesapeake Bay watershed
Monitoring the effectiveness of conservation practices in small agricultural watersheds
Media
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
Nutrient and Sediment River Loads
Nutrient and Sediment River Loads
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
Toxic Contaminants
Toxic Contaminants
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
Stream Health and Land-Use Impacts
Stream Health and Land-Use Impacts
USGS assessments of stream health condition in the Chesapeake Bay watershed
The state of the science and practice of stream restoration in the Chesapeake: Lessons learned to inform better implementation, assessment, and outcomes
New study highlights impact of current and historic land use on stream incision in Maryland Piedmont headwaters
Media
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
Invasive Blue Catfish and Fish Health
Invasive Blue Catfish and Fish Health
Invasive blue catfish in the Chesapeake Bay: A risk to realizing Bay restoration investments
Population monitoring and removal strategies for blue catfish in Chesapeake Bay
Wastewater reuse may be detrimental to smallmouth bass abundance in the Shenandoah River Watershed
New study highlights linkages among land use, water chemistry, and the health of Smallmouth Bass in the Susquehanna River watershed
Media
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
Waterbird Populations and Stressors
Waterbird Populations and Stressors
Scientists document osprey nest failures across the Chesapeake, tie it to lack of menhaden for food
Osprey population and the availability of menhaden as their food source in the Chesapeake Bay
Identifying an understudied interface: Preliminary evaluation of the use of retention ponds on commercial poultry farms by wild waterfowl
Media
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
Coastal Habitats
Coastal Habitats
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
Looking Forward to 2025
Looking Forward to 2025
We will continue providing management-relevant science for Chesapeake partners in 2025. We will focus on existing monitoring and science efforts while expanding our work on emerging priorities. Some priorities for our work in 2025 include:
- Continuing to evaluate the factors affecting nutrient and sediment river loads, including the water-quality effects of management practices.
- Assessing the occurrence of toxic contaminants (including PFAS and 6PPD-q), their landscape sources, and their potential harm to fish and aquatic organisms.
- Studying the economic and ecosystem impacts of invasive blue catfish.
- Enhancing our ability to map the past, present, and future landscape conditions of the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
- Improving targeting tools to better inform partnership restoration and conservation efforts.
Feedback from partners throughout the watershed will continue to guide the topics we focus on. Likewise, we will continue to prioritize effective communication and translation of our science to best inform restoration and conservation decisions.
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
Learn More About USGS Chesapeake Bay Studies
Learn More About USGS Chesapeake Bay Studies
Website
Website
Website
Science Strategy Video
Science Strategy Video
Science Strategy Video
Sign up for Newsletter
Sign up for Newsletter
Sign up for Newsletter
Population Monitoring and Removal Strategies for Blue Catfish (Ictalurus furcatus) in Chesapeake Bay
USGS is helping with the design of a population survey and developing mathematical models to assess potential activities to manage the population of invasive blue catfish ( Ictalurus furcatus) in the Chesapeake Bay. This research will help managers determine the cost and feasibility of approaches to control this invasive species.
Susquehanna River Story — What does the science say about water quality?
The wide and majestic Susquehanna River is one of the oldest rivers in the world and provides water for over 4 million people. Despite its beauty, the Susquehanna River and the Chesapeake Bay downstream has been facing the detrimental effects of excess nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus).
New study highlights the role of wastewater and landscape sources contributing to pesticide contamination in the Potomac River watershed
Wastewater treatment plant discharges can be a source of organic contaminants, including pesticides, to rivers. Pesticide concentrations were predicted based on wastewater percentages in stream water using a modeling tool, and verified with measured concentrations to identify other potential landscape sources.
Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) found in Smallmouth Bass (Micropterus dolomieu) throughout the mid-Atlantic United States
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large group of chemicals that have been recognized as concerns for both human and ecosystem health. There is a need to understand the effects of PFAS on fish health and populations.
New study highlights linkages among land use, water chemistry, and the health of Smallmouth Bass in the Susquehanna River watershed
Contaminants associated with agricultural and developed land uses may negatively affect SMB health and disease resistance in the Susquehanna River watershed.
Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) Population and the Availability of Menhaden (Brevoortia tyrannus) as Their Food Source in Chesapeake Bay: Historical and Present-day Comparison
USGS is collaborating with many biologists in analysis of data on osprey ( Pandion haliaetus) and their prey (menhaden, Brevoortia tyrannus, and other species of fish) in the middle and lower Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. The data compiled and collected will help determine if a lack of menhaden or other environmental factors are affecting osprey reproductive success in portions of the...
Agricultural and Urban Management Practices have Hidden Costs and Benefits to Stream Health
The findings of the study highlight that management practices can have both hidden costs and benefits to fish and macroinvertebrates depending on regional and local factors like how many and what type of management practices are implemented.
New study highlights impact of current and historic land use on stream incision in Maryland Piedmont headwaters
A new method was developed to remotely identify small, eroding streams and measure change over time.
New insights for reducing nutrient and sediment loads in agricultural watersheds prioritized for management activities
Agricultural activities and natural factors may offset nutrient and sediment reductions from management activities.
Wastewater reuse may be detrimental to smallmouth bass abundance in the Shenandoah River Watershed
Issue: Municipal and industrial wastewater effluent is an important source of water for streams and rivers, especially during periods of low flow. The reuse of wastewater effluent may become even more important if climate change exacerbates low streamflow and drought conditions. However, wastewater effluent often contains chemicals that, when chronically present, can affect the health of aquatic...
Monitoring the Effectiveness of Conservation Practices in Small Agricultural Watersheds
Farmers are an important part of the economy and heritage of the Chesapeake Bay. Farmers also act as stewards of the land and water. Across the Chesapeake Bay Watershed, members of the agricultural community are volunteering to adopt conservation practices on their land. The goal of these practices is to protect the health of the soil, local streams and rivers, and the Chesapeake Bay. These...
Chesapeake Bay Water-Quality Loads and Trends
Access the most recent data gathered from the Chesapeake Bay Nontidal Monitoring Network, learn about the techniques used to collect this data, and read about the history of the Chesapeake Bay Nontidal Monitoring Program. Nontidal Network (NTN) data refers to data from the 123 monitoring stations where nutrients and sediment are collected monthly and during storms. River Input Monitoring (RIM)...
As a home to 18 million people and a destination for countless visitors seeking recreational opportunities, the health of the Chesapeake Bay watershed is of critical importance. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is a leading provider of data-driven insights about the condition of the watershed’s lands, waters, fish, and wildlife. These insights and our collaborative work with partners throughout the watershed help guide effective restoration and conservation activities that provide clean water for people, improve fish and wildlife habitat, promote recreational opportunities, and protect the economic value of the region.
Selected Accomplishments from 2024
Selected Accomplishments from 2024
Central to the USGS’s mission is communicating the results of our studies to partners and stakeholders who rely on the information to make critical management decisions. The selected communication products listed below represent the broad range of topics addressed by USGS Chesapeake Bay studies in 2024, all of which were shared with partners throughout the year.
Click on the hyperlinks below to learn more about these products.
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
Management-Practice Effects
Management-Practice Effects
Your land, your water—Using research to guide conservation practices on local farms in the Chesapeake Bay watershed
Agricultural and urban management practices have hidden costs and benefits to stream health
New insights for reducing nutrient and sediment loads in agricultural watersheds prioritized for management activities
Connecting conservation practices to local stream health in the Chesapeake Bay watershed
Monitoring the effectiveness of conservation practices in small agricultural watersheds
Media
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
Nutrient and Sediment River Loads
Nutrient and Sediment River Loads
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
Toxic Contaminants
Toxic Contaminants
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
Stream Health and Land-Use Impacts
Stream Health and Land-Use Impacts
USGS assessments of stream health condition in the Chesapeake Bay watershed
The state of the science and practice of stream restoration in the Chesapeake: Lessons learned to inform better implementation, assessment, and outcomes
New study highlights impact of current and historic land use on stream incision in Maryland Piedmont headwaters
Media
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
Invasive Blue Catfish and Fish Health
Invasive Blue Catfish and Fish Health
Invasive blue catfish in the Chesapeake Bay: A risk to realizing Bay restoration investments
Population monitoring and removal strategies for blue catfish in Chesapeake Bay
Wastewater reuse may be detrimental to smallmouth bass abundance in the Shenandoah River Watershed
New study highlights linkages among land use, water chemistry, and the health of Smallmouth Bass in the Susquehanna River watershed
Media
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
Waterbird Populations and Stressors
Waterbird Populations and Stressors
Scientists document osprey nest failures across the Chesapeake, tie it to lack of menhaden for food
Osprey population and the availability of menhaden as their food source in the Chesapeake Bay
Identifying an understudied interface: Preliminary evaluation of the use of retention ponds on commercial poultry farms by wild waterfowl
Media
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
Coastal Habitats
Coastal Habitats
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
Looking Forward to 2025
Looking Forward to 2025
We will continue providing management-relevant science for Chesapeake partners in 2025. We will focus on existing monitoring and science efforts while expanding our work on emerging priorities. Some priorities for our work in 2025 include:
- Continuing to evaluate the factors affecting nutrient and sediment river loads, including the water-quality effects of management practices.
- Assessing the occurrence of toxic contaminants (including PFAS and 6PPD-q), their landscape sources, and their potential harm to fish and aquatic organisms.
- Studying the economic and ecosystem impacts of invasive blue catfish.
- Enhancing our ability to map the past, present, and future landscape conditions of the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
- Improving targeting tools to better inform partnership restoration and conservation efforts.
Feedback from partners throughout the watershed will continue to guide the topics we focus on. Likewise, we will continue to prioritize effective communication and translation of our science to best inform restoration and conservation decisions.
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
Learn More About USGS Chesapeake Bay Studies
Learn More About USGS Chesapeake Bay Studies
Website
Website
Website
Science Strategy Video
Science Strategy Video
Science Strategy Video
Sign up for Newsletter
Sign up for Newsletter
Sign up for Newsletter
Population Monitoring and Removal Strategies for Blue Catfish (Ictalurus furcatus) in Chesapeake Bay
USGS is helping with the design of a population survey and developing mathematical models to assess potential activities to manage the population of invasive blue catfish ( Ictalurus furcatus) in the Chesapeake Bay. This research will help managers determine the cost and feasibility of approaches to control this invasive species.
Susquehanna River Story — What does the science say about water quality?
The wide and majestic Susquehanna River is one of the oldest rivers in the world and provides water for over 4 million people. Despite its beauty, the Susquehanna River and the Chesapeake Bay downstream has been facing the detrimental effects of excess nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus).
New study highlights the role of wastewater and landscape sources contributing to pesticide contamination in the Potomac River watershed
Wastewater treatment plant discharges can be a source of organic contaminants, including pesticides, to rivers. Pesticide concentrations were predicted based on wastewater percentages in stream water using a modeling tool, and verified with measured concentrations to identify other potential landscape sources.
Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) found in Smallmouth Bass (Micropterus dolomieu) throughout the mid-Atlantic United States
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large group of chemicals that have been recognized as concerns for both human and ecosystem health. There is a need to understand the effects of PFAS on fish health and populations.
New study highlights linkages among land use, water chemistry, and the health of Smallmouth Bass in the Susquehanna River watershed
Contaminants associated with agricultural and developed land uses may negatively affect SMB health and disease resistance in the Susquehanna River watershed.
Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) Population and the Availability of Menhaden (Brevoortia tyrannus) as Their Food Source in Chesapeake Bay: Historical and Present-day Comparison
USGS is collaborating with many biologists in analysis of data on osprey ( Pandion haliaetus) and their prey (menhaden, Brevoortia tyrannus, and other species of fish) in the middle and lower Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. The data compiled and collected will help determine if a lack of menhaden or other environmental factors are affecting osprey reproductive success in portions of the...
Agricultural and Urban Management Practices have Hidden Costs and Benefits to Stream Health
The findings of the study highlight that management practices can have both hidden costs and benefits to fish and macroinvertebrates depending on regional and local factors like how many and what type of management practices are implemented.
New study highlights impact of current and historic land use on stream incision in Maryland Piedmont headwaters
A new method was developed to remotely identify small, eroding streams and measure change over time.
New insights for reducing nutrient and sediment loads in agricultural watersheds prioritized for management activities
Agricultural activities and natural factors may offset nutrient and sediment reductions from management activities.
Wastewater reuse may be detrimental to smallmouth bass abundance in the Shenandoah River Watershed
Issue: Municipal and industrial wastewater effluent is an important source of water for streams and rivers, especially during periods of low flow. The reuse of wastewater effluent may become even more important if climate change exacerbates low streamflow and drought conditions. However, wastewater effluent often contains chemicals that, when chronically present, can affect the health of aquatic...
Monitoring the Effectiveness of Conservation Practices in Small Agricultural Watersheds
Farmers are an important part of the economy and heritage of the Chesapeake Bay. Farmers also act as stewards of the land and water. Across the Chesapeake Bay Watershed, members of the agricultural community are volunteering to adopt conservation practices on their land. The goal of these practices is to protect the health of the soil, local streams and rivers, and the Chesapeake Bay. These...
Chesapeake Bay Water-Quality Loads and Trends
Access the most recent data gathered from the Chesapeake Bay Nontidal Monitoring Network, learn about the techniques used to collect this data, and read about the history of the Chesapeake Bay Nontidal Monitoring Program. Nontidal Network (NTN) data refers to data from the 123 monitoring stations where nutrients and sediment are collected monthly and during storms. River Input Monitoring (RIM)...