The recent expansion of invasive blue and flathead catfish in the Chesapeake Bay and its major rivers threatens the region’s economically important fisheries and treasured natural resources. We are working in partnership with states, academic institutions, and other federal agencies to understand the extent and size of catfish populations, their impact on valuable native species such as blue crabs and striped bass, and their risks to public health. This science provides fishery managers with the critical information they need to evaluate the cost, feasibility, and effectiveness of strategies to control these invasive species.

Our detailed data show how lands are used, how those uses are changing over time, and where waterways, including the smallest streams, are located. State and local partners rely on these foundational data to target conservation efforts and make local land-use planning decisions. With detailed maps of streams and agricultural, urban, and forested lands, managers can make informed decisions that best serve their local communities.

Farmers in the Chesapeake Bay watershed provide food security, support the economy, and are important conservation partners. Many farmers are using conservation practices to provide clean water for their families, communities, and livestock. By monitoring the amount and quality of water in local streams, we help farmers and resource managers plan effective conservation practices. In addition, we are studying factors affecting the transmission of avian influenza to protect domestic poultry populations and safeguard the economic vitality of Chesapeake Bay farms.

We measure streamflow data from over 500 Chesapeake Bay river stations,  providing critical data that help emergency managers protect communities and respond to floods and droughts. At over 100 stations, we are working with partners to monitor nutrient and sediment loads, data that help managers meet clean-water goals. By monitoring the health of rivers, we are delivering watershed-wide insights that guide effective conservation activities.

Salt marshes provide important benefits such as protecting coastal communities from floods and providing hunting and fishing grounds. Throughout the watershed, managers are working to safeguard these vulnerable systems. We support these efforts through efforts such as estimating marsh lifespans and identifying future restoration needs. Our data help managers evaluate marsh conditions and prioritize management actions.