USGS Chesapeake Bay Science Accomplishments for 2025
The Chesapeake Bay watershed is home to 18 million people and some of America’s most treasured natural resources – lands, waters, and wildlife that support a strong economy and cherished outdoor traditions, such as hunting and fishing. From local organizations to federal agencies, partners throughout the watershed are working to protect these resources. These partners rely on our unbiased, gold standard science to make informed decisions and streamline conservation actions. By monitoring rivers, measuring streamflow, and assessing populations of prized fish and waterfowl, we provide the data and insights managers need to protect the resources people love.
Selected Accomplishments from 2025
Central to our mission is communicating decision-ready science to help partners better manage lands, water, and wildlife in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Below are six science topics from 2025 that were used to inform management decisions and advance Department of the Interior priorities. Click the hyperlinks below to explore how our science supports these efforts.
Looking ahead, we will continue advancing these and other priority topics to meet the evolving needs of partners working throughout the Chesapeake Bay.
We are studying the impacts of invasive catfish
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.
We released high-resolution land and water mapping data to inform local decisions
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.
We are delivering science that supports clean water and farm biosecurity
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 are providing key insights to help managers protect priority fish species
Native freshwater fish like brook trout are culturally significant and vital to the region’s economy outdoor traditions. Responding to requests from fishery managers, we are studying factors affecting the health of freshwater fish. This past year, we sampled rivers for a chemical compound found in rubber tires that is known to harm or kill some native fish species. These insights provide fishery managers with critical information to protect priority fish species.
We are monitoring streamflow and water quality in rivers throughout the watershed
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.
We are using field measurements and geospatial tools to guide marsh restoration needs
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.
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Informing Chesapeake Bay Watershed Management by Monitoring Trends in River Nutrient and Sediment Loads
Population Monitoring and Removal Strategies for Blue Catfish (Ictalurus furcatus) in Chesapeake Bay
Coastal Wetland Vulnerability to Climate Change and Sea-Level Rise: Understanding Ecological Thresholds and Ecosystem Transformations
Discovering Connections Across America's Lands and Waters
Road salt elevates salinity above background levels in freshwater streams and rivers across the Chesapeake Bay Watershed
Investigating Blotchy Bass Syndrome in Black Basses (Micropterus spp)
Susquehanna River Story — What does the science say about water quality?
New study highlights the role of wastewater and landscape sources contributing to pesticide contamination in the Potomac River watershed
Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) found in Smallmouth Bass (Micropterus dolomieu) throughout the mid-Atlantic United States
New study highlights linkages among land use, water chemistry, and the health of Smallmouth Bass in the Susquehanna River watershed
Macroinvertebrate communities in PA and MD Piedmont mixed agricultural streams, 2023 Macroinvertebrate communities in PA and MD Piedmont mixed agricultural streams, 2023
Sediment core radioisotope measurements in coastal wetlands along the Chesapeake Bay Sediment core radioisotope measurements in coastal wetlands along the Chesapeake Bay
Chirp seismic reflection and navigation data collected in Chesapeake Bay during USGS Field Activity 2022-020-FA Chirp seismic reflection and navigation data collected in Chesapeake Bay during USGS Field Activity 2022-020-FA
Database for the geologic map of the Washington West 30' x 60' quadrangle, Maryland, Virginia, and Washington D.C. Database for the geologic map of the Washington West 30' x 60' quadrangle, Maryland, Virginia, and Washington D.C.
Nitrogen, phosphorus, and suspended-sediment loads and trends measured at the Chesapeake Bay Nontidal Network stations: Water years 1985-2023 Nitrogen, phosphorus, and suspended-sediment loads and trends measured at the Chesapeake Bay Nontidal Network stations: Water years 1985-2023
Chesapeake Bay marsh migration potential under sea-level rise Chesapeake Bay marsh migration potential under sea-level rise
2002 Survey of Diamondback Terrapins in the Chesapeake Bay 2002 Survey of Diamondback Terrapins in the Chesapeake Bay
Fish communities in streams of the Maryland-Washington, DC-Virginia developed Piedmont, 2024 Fish communities in streams of the Maryland-Washington, DC-Virginia developed Piedmont, 2024
Morphometric and reproductive data from blue catfish (Ictalurus furcatus) collected in tributaries of the Chesapeake Bay, Maryland and Delaware 2020-2022 Morphometric and reproductive data from blue catfish (Ictalurus furcatus) collected in tributaries of the Chesapeake Bay, Maryland and Delaware 2020-2022
Stream stage, stream temperature, and climate metrics for 30 streams spanning land use and management gradients in the Delmarva Peninsula of Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia, 2022 Stream stage, stream temperature, and climate metrics for 30 streams spanning land use and management gradients in the Delmarva Peninsula of Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia, 2022
Chesapeake Stream Team Field Sites, 2021-2024 Chesapeake Stream Team Field Sites, 2021-2024
Predictions of specific conductance and departures from background specific conductance in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, 2001-2016 Predictions of specific conductance and departures from background specific conductance in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, 2001-2016
METRIC: An interactive framework for integrated visualization and analysis of monitored and expected load reductions for nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediment in the Chesapeake Bay watershed METRIC: An interactive framework for integrated visualization and analysis of monitored and expected load reductions for nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediment in the Chesapeake Bay watershed
Highly pathogenic avian influenza virus H5N1 in double-crested cormorants (Nannopterum auritum) of the Chesapeake Bay, USA Highly pathogenic avian influenza virus H5N1 in double-crested cormorants (Nannopterum auritum) of the Chesapeake Bay, USA
Reproductive parameters in invasive blue catfish (Ictalurus furcatus) from tributaries of the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland and Delaware, 2020–22 Reproductive parameters in invasive blue catfish (Ictalurus furcatus) from tributaries of the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland and Delaware, 2020–22
Common Terns (Sterna hirundo) use of a staging site in the Chesapeake Bay Common Terns (Sterna hirundo) use of a staging site in the Chesapeake Bay
Physical habitat is more than a sediment issue: A multi-dimensional habitat assessment indicates new approaches for river management Physical habitat is more than a sediment issue: A multi-dimensional habitat assessment indicates new approaches for river management
The state of the science and practice of stream restoration in the Chesapeake: Lessons learned to inform better implementation, assessment and outcomes The state of the science and practice of stream restoration in the Chesapeake: Lessons learned to inform better implementation, assessment and outcomes
The LTAR cropland Common Experiment at Lower Chesapeake Bay The LTAR cropland Common Experiment at Lower Chesapeake Bay
Predictive modeling reveals elevated conductivity relative to background levels in freshwater tributaries within the Chesapeake Bay watershed, USA Predictive modeling reveals elevated conductivity relative to background levels in freshwater tributaries within the Chesapeake Bay watershed, USA
Tissue distribution and temporal and spatial assessment of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu) in the mid-Atlantic United States Tissue distribution and temporal and spatial assessment of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu) in the mid-Atlantic United States
Discerning sediment provenance in the Outer Banks (USA) through detrital zircon geochronology Discerning sediment provenance in the Outer Banks (USA) through detrital zircon geochronology
The Chesapeake Bay watershed is home to 18 million people and some of America’s most treasured natural resources – lands, waters, and wildlife that support a strong economy and cherished outdoor traditions, such as hunting and fishing. From local organizations to federal agencies, partners throughout the watershed are working to protect these resources. These partners rely on our unbiased, gold standard science to make informed decisions and streamline conservation actions. By monitoring rivers, measuring streamflow, and assessing populations of prized fish and waterfowl, we provide the data and insights managers need to protect the resources people love.
Selected Accomplishments from 2025
Central to our mission is communicating decision-ready science to help partners better manage lands, water, and wildlife in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Below are six science topics from 2025 that were used to inform management decisions and advance Department of the Interior priorities. Click the hyperlinks below to explore how our science supports these efforts.
Looking ahead, we will continue advancing these and other priority topics to meet the evolving needs of partners working throughout the Chesapeake Bay.
We are studying the impacts of invasive catfish
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.
We released high-resolution land and water mapping data to inform local decisions
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.
We are delivering science that supports clean water and farm biosecurity
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 are providing key insights to help managers protect priority fish species
Native freshwater fish like brook trout are culturally significant and vital to the region’s economy outdoor traditions. Responding to requests from fishery managers, we are studying factors affecting the health of freshwater fish. This past year, we sampled rivers for a chemical compound found in rubber tires that is known to harm or kill some native fish species. These insights provide fishery managers with critical information to protect priority fish species.
We are monitoring streamflow and water quality in rivers throughout the watershed
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.
We are using field measurements and geospatial tools to guide marsh restoration needs
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.