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Peter Tango, Ph.D.

Peter Tango is the Chesapeake Bay Monitoring Coordinator and has been with the U.S. Geological Survey since 2007, currently working at the MD-DE-DC Water Science Center in the Chesapeake Bay Program office.

Peter's research and management interests focus on environmental monitoring strategies, environmental analysis and assessment methodologies, and effective science communication.

Professional Experience

  • 2007 to present: Chesapeake Bay Monitoring Coordinator, USGS.

  • 2022. Acting Deputy Director. USGS MD-DE-DC Water Science Center, Catonsville, MD. Work Detail (6 months). 

  • 2020. Acting Deputy Director. Patuxent Wildlife Research Center/Eastern Ecological Science Center, Laurel, MD. Work Detail (5 months).

Education and Certifications

  • Ph.D., State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Syracuse, NY, Major: Fisheries Science

  • M.S., West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV. Major: Wildlife Management

  • B.S., State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Syracuse, NY, Magna Cum Laude. Major: Forest Biology

  • A.S., Orange County Community College, Middletown, NY. Major: Pre-Environmental Science

Science and Products

Using monitoring and partnerships to provide management-relevant information about Chesapeake Bay rivers Using monitoring and partnerships to provide management-relevant information about Chesapeake Bay rivers

The lands and waters of the Chesapeake Bay watershed provide more than $100 billion in economic benefits- an amount that is expected to increase by achieving the region’s clean-water goals. Achieving those goals requires accurate and timely information about the health of the watershed’s rivers and streams. The Chesapeake Bay nontidal monitoring network (NTN), a partnership of local...
Authors
James S. Webber, Kaylyn S. Gootman, Kenneth Hyer, Peter J. Tango, Douglas L. Moyer
By
Chesapeake Bay Activities, Eastern Ecological Science Center, Maryland-Delaware-D.C. Water Science Center, Virginia and West Virginia Water Science Center

Nutrient limitation of phytoplankton in three tributaries of Chesapeake Bay: Detecting responses following nutrient reductions Nutrient limitation of phytoplankton in three tributaries of Chesapeake Bay: Detecting responses following nutrient reductions

Many coastal ecosystems suffer from eutrophication, algal blooms, and dead zones due to excessive anthropogenic inputs of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P). This has led to regional restoration efforts that focus on managing watershed loads of N and P. In Chesapeake Bay, the largest estuary in the United States, dual nutrient reductions of N and P have been pursued since the 1980s. However...
Authors
Qian Zhang, Thomas R. Fisher, Claire Buchanan, Anne B. Gustafson, Renee Karrh, Rebecca R. Murphy, Jeremy M. Testa, Richard Tian, Peter J. Tango
By
Maryland-Delaware-D.C. Water Science Center, Chesapeake Bay Activities

A water quality barometer for Chesapeake Bay: Assessing spatial and temporal patterns using long-term monitoring data A water quality barometer for Chesapeake Bay: Assessing spatial and temporal patterns using long-term monitoring data

This paper develops a barometer that indexes water quality in the Chesapeake Bay and summarizes quality over spatial regions and temporal periods. The barometer has a basis in risk assessment and hydrology, and is a function of three different metrics of water quality relative to numerical criteria: relative frequency of criterion attainment; magnitude of deviation from a numerical...
Authors
A.R. Zahran, Qian Zhang, Peter J. Tango, E.P. Smith
By
Chesapeake Bay Activities, Maryland-Delaware-D.C. Water Science Center

Nutrient limitation of phytoplankton in Chesapeake Bay: Development of an empirical approach for water-quality management Nutrient limitation of phytoplankton in Chesapeake Bay: Development of an empirical approach for water-quality management

Understanding the temporal and spatial roles of nutrient limitation on phytoplankton growth is necessary for developing successful management strategies. Chesapeake Bay has well-documented seasonal and spatial variations in nutrient limitation, but it remains unknown whether these patterns of nutrient limitation have changed in response to nutrient management efforts. We analyzed...
Authors
Qian Zhang, Thomas R. Fisher, Emily M. Trentacoste, Claire Buchanan, Anne B. Gustafson, Renee Karrh, Rebecca R. Murphy, Jennifer L. Keisman, Cuiyin Wu, Richard Tian, Jeremy M. Testa, Peter J. Tango
By
Maryland-Delaware-D.C. Water Science Center, Chesapeake Bay Activities

Chesapeake Bay dissolved oxygen criterion attainment deficit: Three decades of temporal and spatial patterns Chesapeake Bay dissolved oxygen criterion attainment deficit: Three decades of temporal and spatial patterns

Low dissolved oxygen (DO) conditions are a recurring issue in waters of Chesapeake Bay, with detrimental effects on aquatic living resources. The Chesapeake Bay Program partnership has developed criteria guidance supporting the definition of state water quality standards and associated assessment procedures for DO and other parameters, which provides a binary classification of attainment...
Authors
Qian Zhang, Peter J. Tango, Rebecca R. Murphy, Melinda K. Forsyth, Richard Tian, Jennifer L. Keisman, Emily M. Trentacoste
By
Maryland-Delaware-D.C. Water Science Center

Chesapeake Bay's water quality condition has been recovering: Insights from a multimetric indicator assessment of thirty years of tidal monitoring data Chesapeake Bay's water quality condition has been recovering: Insights from a multimetric indicator assessment of thirty years of tidal monitoring data

To protect the aquatic living resources of Chesapeake Bay, the Chesapeake Bay Program partnership has developed guidance for state water quality standards, which include ambient water quality criteria to protect designated uses (DUs), and associated assessment procedures for dissolved oxygen (DO), water clarity/underwater bay grasses, and chlorophyll-a. For measuring progress toward...
Authors
Qian Zhang, Rebecca R. Murphy, Richard Tian, Melinda K. Forsyth, Emily M. Trentacoste, Jennifer L. D. Keisman, Peter J. Tango
By
Maryland-Delaware-D.C. Water Science Center, Chesapeake Bay Activities

Chesapeake Bay recovery and factors affecting trends: Long-termmonitoring, indicators, and insights Chesapeake Bay recovery and factors affecting trends: Long-termmonitoring, indicators, and insights

Monitoring the outcome of restoration efforts is the only way to identify the status of a recovery and the most effective management strategies. In this paper, we discuss Chesapeake Bay and watershed recovery and factors influencing water quality trends. For over 30 years, the Chesapeake Bay Program Partnership’s long-term tidal and watershed water quality monitoring networks have...
Authors
Peter J. Tango, Richard A. Batiuk
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Maryland-Delaware-D.C. Water Science Center, Chesapeake Bay Activities

Regional monitoring programs in the United States: Synthesis of four case studies from Pacific, Atlantic, and Gulf Coasts Regional monitoring programs in the United States: Synthesis of four case studies from Pacific, Atlantic, and Gulf Coasts

Water quality monitoring is a cornerstone of environmental protection and ambient monitoring provides managers with the critical data they need to take informed action. Unlike site-specific monitoring that is at the heart of regulatory permit compliance, regional monitoring can provide an integrated, holistic view of the environment, allowing managers to obtain a more complete picture of...
Authors
Peter J. Tango, K. Schiff, P.R. Trowbridge, E.T. Sherwood, R.A. Batiuk
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Maryland-Delaware-D.C. Water Science Center, San Francisco Bay and Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Estuary

Deriving Chesapeake Bay Water Quality Standards Deriving Chesapeake Bay Water Quality Standards

Achieving and maintaining the water quality conditions necessary to protect the aquatic living resources of the Chesapeake Bay and its tidal tributaries has required a foundation of quantifiable water quality criteria. Quantitative criteria serve as a critical basis for assessing the attainment of designated uses and measuring progress toward meeting water quality goals of the Chesapeake...
Authors
Peter J. Tango, Richard A. Batiuk
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Maryland-Delaware-D.C. Water Science Center, Chesapeake Bay Activities

Predicting potentially toxigenic Pseudo-nitzschia blooms in the Chesapeake Bay Predicting potentially toxigenic Pseudo-nitzschia blooms in the Chesapeake Bay

Harmful algal blooms are now recognized as a significant threat to the Chesapeake Bay as they can severely compromise the economic viability of important recreational and commercial fisheries in the largest estuary of the United States. This study describes the development of empirical models for the potentially domoic acid-producing Pseudo-nitzschia species complex present in the Bay...
Authors
C.R. Anderson, M.R.P. Sapiano, M.B.K. Prasad, W. Long, P.J. Tango, C.W. Brown, R. Murtugudde
By
Chesapeake Bay Activities

Non-USGS Publications**

Tango, P. and W. Butler. 2008. Cyanotoxins in tidal waters of Chesapeake Bay. Northeast Naturalist. 15(3):403-416.
Tango, P., W. Butler, and B. Michael. 2008. Cyanotoxins in tidewaters of Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay: The Maryland Experience. Pp. 179-180 in Hudnell, K. (Ed.) Proceedings of the International Symposium on Cyanobacterial Harmful Algal Blooms, Research Triangle Park, Raleigh, NC: State of the Science and Research Needs. Springer.
Burch, M., Dietrich, D. Donohus, J., Hawkins, B., Lloyd, A., Munns, W.R., Orme-Zavaleta, J., Steevens, J., Steffensen, D., Stone, D., and Tango, P. 2008. Risk assessment of cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms. Chapter 35 in Hudnell, K.(Ed.) Proceedings of the international Symposium on Cyanobacterial Harmful Algal Blooms, Research Triangle Park, Raleigh, North Carolina: State of the Science and Research Needs. Springer.
Tango, P., R. Magnien, W. Butler, R. Lacouture, M. Luckenbach, C. Poukish and C. Luckett. 2005. Impacts and potential effects due to Prorocentrum minimum blooms in Chesapeake Bay. Harmful Algae. 4:525-531.
T.M. Trice, C. Heyer, B. Michael, P. Tango and B. Cole. 2005. Impacts of Hurricane Isabel on Maryland water quality and living resources. In Proceedings of Hurricane Isabel in Perspective, Nov. 15-17, 2004. Maritime Institute, Linthicum Heights, MD.
Thessen, A.E., D.K. Stoecker, P. Tango, S. Morton and D. Caron. 2004 Abstract. The presence of domoic acid in Pseudo-nitzschia from the Choptank River, a Chesapeake Bay tributary. Harmful Algae 3:257.
Wazniak, C., P. Tango and W. Butler. 2004. Abundance and frequency of occurrence of brown tide, Aureococcus anophagefferens, in the Maryland Coastal Bays. Chapter 7.1 in State of Maryland’s Coastal Bays. Maryland’s Coastal Bays:Ecosystem Health Assessment. Maryland Coastal Bays Program.
Tango, P., W. Butler, and C. Wazniak. 2004a. Assessment of harmful algal bloom species in the Maryland Coastal Bays. Chapter 7.2 in State of Maryland’s Coastal Bays. Maryland’s Coastal Bays: Ecosystem Health Assessment. Maryland Coastal Bays Program.
Tango, P., W. Butler, and C. Wazniak. 2004b. Analysis of phytoplankton populations in the Maryland Coastal Bays. Chapter 8.1 in State of Maryland’s Coastal Bays. Maryland’s Coastal Bays: Ecosystem Health Assessment. Maryland Coastal Bays Program.
Tango, P., W. Butler, R. Lacouture, R. Eskin, D. Goshorn, B. Michael, W. Beatty, K. Brohaun and S. Hall. 2004. An unprecedented bloom of Dinophysis acuminata in Chesapeake Bay. Proceedings Xth International Conference on Harmful Algae, St. Petersburg, FL.
Goshorn, D., J. Deeds, P. Tango, C. Poukish, A. Place, M. McGinty, W. Butler, C. Luckett and R. Magnien. 2004. Occurrence of Karlodinium micrum and its association with fish kills in Maryland Estuaries. Proceedings Xth International Conference on Harmful Algae, St. Petersburg, FL.
Ramers, D.L., C.W. Brown and P.J. Tango. 2003 Abstract. Predicting the abundance of the dinoflagellate Karlodinium micrum in Chesapeake Bay using an artificial neural network. EOS Transactions AGU 84:52. Ocean Science Meeting Supplemental, Abstract OS21E-04.
Brinker, D.F., G.D. Therres, P.J. Tango, M. O’Brien, E.A.T. Blom and H.L. Wierenga. 2002. Distribution and relative abundance of breeding rails and other marsh birds in Maryland’s tidal marshes. Maryland Birdlife. 59:3-17.
Tango, P.J. 1999. Fish community ecology of a hypereutrophic urban lake. Ph.D. dissertation, State University of New York, College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Syracuse, NY.
Tango, P.J. and N.H. Ringler. 1996. The role of pollution and external refugia in structuring the Onondaga Lake fish community. Lake and Reserv. Manage. 12:81-90.
Ringler, N.H., C. Gandino, P. Hirethota, R. Danahey, P. Tango, M. Arrigo, C. Morgan, C. Millard, M. Murphy, R.J. Sloan, and S.W. Effler. 1995. Fish communities and habitats in Onondaga Lake, adjoining portions of the Seneca River, and lake tributaries. Chapter 6.3 in S.W. Effler (ed.) Limnology and Environmental Management of a Polluted Urban Lake – Prelude to Environmental Management of Onondaga Lake, New York. Springer-Verlag, New York, NY.
Tango, P. J., C. Gandino, P. Hirethota, and N.H. Ringler. 1992. Spatial variations of dissolved oxygen and potential refugia in a hypereutrophic lake. Abstract. Northeast Fish and Wildlife Conference. Norfolk, VA.
Tango, P.J., E.D. Michael and J. I Cromer. 1991. Seasonal movements of river otters in the West Fork River, West Virginia. Proc. Southeast Fish and Wildlife Conference, White Sulphur Springs, WV. 45:64-72.
Tango, P. J., E.D. Michael and J. I. Cromer. 1991. Mating and first-season births in interstate transplanted river otters, Lutra canadensis (Carnivora: Mustelidae). Brimleyana. 17: 53-55.
Tango, P. 1991. Fall and winter observations on American woodcock at the Eastern Shore National Wildlife Refuge, 1987-1991. Abstract. The First Eastern Shore Natural Resources Symposium. Cape Charles, VA.
Buhlmann, K. and P. Tango. 1989. Tracking the timberdoodle. Virginia Wildl. 50(9):14-19.

**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.

4 puzzle pieces to represent CBP's monitoring efforts

USGS and CBP produce report to enhance Chesapeake Bay and watershed monitoring networks

Issue: In March 2021, the Principals’ Staff Committee (PSC) requested a study and recommendations on how to enhance the Chesapeake Bay Program (CBP) monitoring networks to improve decision-making for the goals of the Chesapeake Watershed Agreement. The monitoring networks include (1) CBP core networks supported primarily by EPA CBP funding (i.e., Tidal Water Quality, Nontidal Water Quality...
By
Chesapeake Bay Activities
USGS and CBP produce report to enhance Chesapeake Bay and watershed monitoring networks

USGS and CBP produce report to enhance Chesapeake Bay and watershed monitoring networks

Issue: In March 2021, the Principals’ Staff Committee (PSC) requested a study and recommendations on how to enhance the Chesapeake Bay Program (CBP) monitoring networks to improve decision-making for the goals of the Chesapeake Watershed Agreement. The monitoring networks include (1) CBP core networks supported primarily by EPA CBP funding (i.e., Tidal Water Quality, Nontidal Water Quality...
Learn More
Lake Wales Ridge National Wildlife Refuge, FWS

Record Freshwater Flow in Water Year 2019 Affects Conditions in the Chesapeake Bay

The U.S Geological Survey (USGS) reports that freshwater flow into the Chesapeake Bay during water year (WY) 2019 was the highest flow on record (fig. 1). The record freshwater flow washes more pollutants into the Chesapeake Bay and affects dissolved oxygen and habitat conditions for oysters, crabs, and finfish. The 2019 water year is the period from October 1, 2018, through September 30, 2019...
By
Core Science Systems Mission Area, Chesapeake Bay Activities
Record Freshwater Flow in Water Year 2019 Affects Conditions in the Chesapeake Bay

Record Freshwater Flow in Water Year 2019 Affects Conditions in the Chesapeake Bay

The U.S Geological Survey (USGS) reports that freshwater flow into the Chesapeake Bay during water year (WY) 2019 was the highest flow on record (fig. 1). The record freshwater flow washes more pollutants into the Chesapeake Bay and affects dissolved oxygen and habitat conditions for oysters, crabs, and finfish. The 2019 water year is the period from October 1, 2018, through September 30, 2019...
Learn More
Chart of the 2018 Summer river flow in to the Chesapeake Bay

The Effects of Florence and High River Flow During Summer 2018 on the Chesapeake Bay

Prepared by the U.S. Geological Survey and Chesapeake Bay Program, Updated September 17, 2018.
By
Chesapeake Bay Activities
The Effects of Florence and High River Flow During Summer 2018 on the Chesapeake Bay

The Effects of Florence and High River Flow During Summer 2018 on the Chesapeake Bay

Prepared by the U.S. Geological Survey and Chesapeake Bay Program, Updated September 17, 2018.
Learn More
Map of Real-time river flows 9/12/2018

USGS and Partner Efforts to Monitor High River Flow During Summer, 2018 and Potential Effects of Hurricane Florence on the Chesapeake Bay Watershed

Prepared by Scott Phillips and Peter Tango, USGS and Chesapeake Scientific, Technical Analysis, and Reporting (STAR) team, September 12, 2018
By
Chesapeake Bay Activities
USGS and Partner Efforts to Monitor High River Flow During Summer, 2018 and Potential Effects of Hurricane Florence on the Chesapeake Bay Watershed

USGS and Partner Efforts to Monitor High River Flow During Summer, 2018 and Potential Effects of Hurricane Florence on the Chesapeake Bay Watershed

Prepared by Scott Phillips and Peter Tango, USGS and Chesapeake Scientific, Technical Analysis, and Reporting (STAR) team, September 12, 2018
Learn More
Experts forecast Chesapeake Bay dead zone to be near average in summer 2024

Experts forecast Chesapeake Bay dead zone to be near average in summer 2024

Chesapeake Bay Program — Press Release — June 21, 2024

Read Article
USGS Scientists Receive EPA Gold Medal for Chesapeake Science Efforts

USGS Scientists Receive EPA Gold Medal for Chesapeake Science Efforts

Several U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) scientists have been chosen to receive a 2018 National U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Gold Medal for...

Read Article

Science and Products

Using monitoring and partnerships to provide management-relevant information about Chesapeake Bay rivers Using monitoring and partnerships to provide management-relevant information about Chesapeake Bay rivers

The lands and waters of the Chesapeake Bay watershed provide more than $100 billion in economic benefits- an amount that is expected to increase by achieving the region’s clean-water goals. Achieving those goals requires accurate and timely information about the health of the watershed’s rivers and streams. The Chesapeake Bay nontidal monitoring network (NTN), a partnership of local...
Authors
James S. Webber, Kaylyn S. Gootman, Kenneth Hyer, Peter J. Tango, Douglas L. Moyer
By
Chesapeake Bay Activities, Eastern Ecological Science Center, Maryland-Delaware-D.C. Water Science Center, Virginia and West Virginia Water Science Center

Nutrient limitation of phytoplankton in three tributaries of Chesapeake Bay: Detecting responses following nutrient reductions Nutrient limitation of phytoplankton in three tributaries of Chesapeake Bay: Detecting responses following nutrient reductions

Many coastal ecosystems suffer from eutrophication, algal blooms, and dead zones due to excessive anthropogenic inputs of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P). This has led to regional restoration efforts that focus on managing watershed loads of N and P. In Chesapeake Bay, the largest estuary in the United States, dual nutrient reductions of N and P have been pursued since the 1980s. However...
Authors
Qian Zhang, Thomas R. Fisher, Claire Buchanan, Anne B. Gustafson, Renee Karrh, Rebecca R. Murphy, Jeremy M. Testa, Richard Tian, Peter J. Tango
By
Maryland-Delaware-D.C. Water Science Center, Chesapeake Bay Activities

A water quality barometer for Chesapeake Bay: Assessing spatial and temporal patterns using long-term monitoring data A water quality barometer for Chesapeake Bay: Assessing spatial and temporal patterns using long-term monitoring data

This paper develops a barometer that indexes water quality in the Chesapeake Bay and summarizes quality over spatial regions and temporal periods. The barometer has a basis in risk assessment and hydrology, and is a function of three different metrics of water quality relative to numerical criteria: relative frequency of criterion attainment; magnitude of deviation from a numerical...
Authors
A.R. Zahran, Qian Zhang, Peter J. Tango, E.P. Smith
By
Chesapeake Bay Activities, Maryland-Delaware-D.C. Water Science Center

Nutrient limitation of phytoplankton in Chesapeake Bay: Development of an empirical approach for water-quality management Nutrient limitation of phytoplankton in Chesapeake Bay: Development of an empirical approach for water-quality management

Understanding the temporal and spatial roles of nutrient limitation on phytoplankton growth is necessary for developing successful management strategies. Chesapeake Bay has well-documented seasonal and spatial variations in nutrient limitation, but it remains unknown whether these patterns of nutrient limitation have changed in response to nutrient management efforts. We analyzed...
Authors
Qian Zhang, Thomas R. Fisher, Emily M. Trentacoste, Claire Buchanan, Anne B. Gustafson, Renee Karrh, Rebecca R. Murphy, Jennifer L. Keisman, Cuiyin Wu, Richard Tian, Jeremy M. Testa, Peter J. Tango
By
Maryland-Delaware-D.C. Water Science Center, Chesapeake Bay Activities

Chesapeake Bay dissolved oxygen criterion attainment deficit: Three decades of temporal and spatial patterns Chesapeake Bay dissolved oxygen criterion attainment deficit: Three decades of temporal and spatial patterns

Low dissolved oxygen (DO) conditions are a recurring issue in waters of Chesapeake Bay, with detrimental effects on aquatic living resources. The Chesapeake Bay Program partnership has developed criteria guidance supporting the definition of state water quality standards and associated assessment procedures for DO and other parameters, which provides a binary classification of attainment...
Authors
Qian Zhang, Peter J. Tango, Rebecca R. Murphy, Melinda K. Forsyth, Richard Tian, Jennifer L. Keisman, Emily M. Trentacoste
By
Maryland-Delaware-D.C. Water Science Center

Chesapeake Bay's water quality condition has been recovering: Insights from a multimetric indicator assessment of thirty years of tidal monitoring data Chesapeake Bay's water quality condition has been recovering: Insights from a multimetric indicator assessment of thirty years of tidal monitoring data

To protect the aquatic living resources of Chesapeake Bay, the Chesapeake Bay Program partnership has developed guidance for state water quality standards, which include ambient water quality criteria to protect designated uses (DUs), and associated assessment procedures for dissolved oxygen (DO), water clarity/underwater bay grasses, and chlorophyll-a. For measuring progress toward...
Authors
Qian Zhang, Rebecca R. Murphy, Richard Tian, Melinda K. Forsyth, Emily M. Trentacoste, Jennifer L. D. Keisman, Peter J. Tango
By
Maryland-Delaware-D.C. Water Science Center, Chesapeake Bay Activities

Chesapeake Bay recovery and factors affecting trends: Long-termmonitoring, indicators, and insights Chesapeake Bay recovery and factors affecting trends: Long-termmonitoring, indicators, and insights

Monitoring the outcome of restoration efforts is the only way to identify the status of a recovery and the most effective management strategies. In this paper, we discuss Chesapeake Bay and watershed recovery and factors influencing water quality trends. For over 30 years, the Chesapeake Bay Program Partnership’s long-term tidal and watershed water quality monitoring networks have...
Authors
Peter J. Tango, Richard A. Batiuk
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Maryland-Delaware-D.C. Water Science Center, Chesapeake Bay Activities

Regional monitoring programs in the United States: Synthesis of four case studies from Pacific, Atlantic, and Gulf Coasts Regional monitoring programs in the United States: Synthesis of four case studies from Pacific, Atlantic, and Gulf Coasts

Water quality monitoring is a cornerstone of environmental protection and ambient monitoring provides managers with the critical data they need to take informed action. Unlike site-specific monitoring that is at the heart of regulatory permit compliance, regional monitoring can provide an integrated, holistic view of the environment, allowing managers to obtain a more complete picture of...
Authors
Peter J. Tango, K. Schiff, P.R. Trowbridge, E.T. Sherwood, R.A. Batiuk
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Maryland-Delaware-D.C. Water Science Center, San Francisco Bay and Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Estuary

Deriving Chesapeake Bay Water Quality Standards Deriving Chesapeake Bay Water Quality Standards

Achieving and maintaining the water quality conditions necessary to protect the aquatic living resources of the Chesapeake Bay and its tidal tributaries has required a foundation of quantifiable water quality criteria. Quantitative criteria serve as a critical basis for assessing the attainment of designated uses and measuring progress toward meeting water quality goals of the Chesapeake...
Authors
Peter J. Tango, Richard A. Batiuk
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Maryland-Delaware-D.C. Water Science Center, Chesapeake Bay Activities

Predicting potentially toxigenic Pseudo-nitzschia blooms in the Chesapeake Bay Predicting potentially toxigenic Pseudo-nitzschia blooms in the Chesapeake Bay

Harmful algal blooms are now recognized as a significant threat to the Chesapeake Bay as they can severely compromise the economic viability of important recreational and commercial fisheries in the largest estuary of the United States. This study describes the development of empirical models for the potentially domoic acid-producing Pseudo-nitzschia species complex present in the Bay...
Authors
C.R. Anderson, M.R.P. Sapiano, M.B.K. Prasad, W. Long, P.J. Tango, C.W. Brown, R. Murtugudde
By
Chesapeake Bay Activities

Non-USGS Publications**

Tango, P. and W. Butler. 2008. Cyanotoxins in tidal waters of Chesapeake Bay. Northeast Naturalist. 15(3):403-416.
Tango, P., W. Butler, and B. Michael. 2008. Cyanotoxins in tidewaters of Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay: The Maryland Experience. Pp. 179-180 in Hudnell, K. (Ed.) Proceedings of the International Symposium on Cyanobacterial Harmful Algal Blooms, Research Triangle Park, Raleigh, NC: State of the Science and Research Needs. Springer.
Burch, M., Dietrich, D. Donohus, J., Hawkins, B., Lloyd, A., Munns, W.R., Orme-Zavaleta, J., Steevens, J., Steffensen, D., Stone, D., and Tango, P. 2008. Risk assessment of cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms. Chapter 35 in Hudnell, K.(Ed.) Proceedings of the international Symposium on Cyanobacterial Harmful Algal Blooms, Research Triangle Park, Raleigh, North Carolina: State of the Science and Research Needs. Springer.
Tango, P., R. Magnien, W. Butler, R. Lacouture, M. Luckenbach, C. Poukish and C. Luckett. 2005. Impacts and potential effects due to Prorocentrum minimum blooms in Chesapeake Bay. Harmful Algae. 4:525-531.
T.M. Trice, C. Heyer, B. Michael, P. Tango and B. Cole. 2005. Impacts of Hurricane Isabel on Maryland water quality and living resources. In Proceedings of Hurricane Isabel in Perspective, Nov. 15-17, 2004. Maritime Institute, Linthicum Heights, MD.
Thessen, A.E., D.K. Stoecker, P. Tango, S. Morton and D. Caron. 2004 Abstract. The presence of domoic acid in Pseudo-nitzschia from the Choptank River, a Chesapeake Bay tributary. Harmful Algae 3:257.
Wazniak, C., P. Tango and W. Butler. 2004. Abundance and frequency of occurrence of brown tide, Aureococcus anophagefferens, in the Maryland Coastal Bays. Chapter 7.1 in State of Maryland’s Coastal Bays. Maryland’s Coastal Bays:Ecosystem Health Assessment. Maryland Coastal Bays Program.
Tango, P., W. Butler, and C. Wazniak. 2004a. Assessment of harmful algal bloom species in the Maryland Coastal Bays. Chapter 7.2 in State of Maryland’s Coastal Bays. Maryland’s Coastal Bays: Ecosystem Health Assessment. Maryland Coastal Bays Program.
Tango, P., W. Butler, and C. Wazniak. 2004b. Analysis of phytoplankton populations in the Maryland Coastal Bays. Chapter 8.1 in State of Maryland’s Coastal Bays. Maryland’s Coastal Bays: Ecosystem Health Assessment. Maryland Coastal Bays Program.
Tango, P., W. Butler, R. Lacouture, R. Eskin, D. Goshorn, B. Michael, W. Beatty, K. Brohaun and S. Hall. 2004. An unprecedented bloom of Dinophysis acuminata in Chesapeake Bay. Proceedings Xth International Conference on Harmful Algae, St. Petersburg, FL.
Goshorn, D., J. Deeds, P. Tango, C. Poukish, A. Place, M. McGinty, W. Butler, C. Luckett and R. Magnien. 2004. Occurrence of Karlodinium micrum and its association with fish kills in Maryland Estuaries. Proceedings Xth International Conference on Harmful Algae, St. Petersburg, FL.
Ramers, D.L., C.W. Brown and P.J. Tango. 2003 Abstract. Predicting the abundance of the dinoflagellate Karlodinium micrum in Chesapeake Bay using an artificial neural network. EOS Transactions AGU 84:52. Ocean Science Meeting Supplemental, Abstract OS21E-04.
Brinker, D.F., G.D. Therres, P.J. Tango, M. O’Brien, E.A.T. Blom and H.L. Wierenga. 2002. Distribution and relative abundance of breeding rails and other marsh birds in Maryland’s tidal marshes. Maryland Birdlife. 59:3-17.
Tango, P.J. 1999. Fish community ecology of a hypereutrophic urban lake. Ph.D. dissertation, State University of New York, College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Syracuse, NY.
Tango, P.J. and N.H. Ringler. 1996. The role of pollution and external refugia in structuring the Onondaga Lake fish community. Lake and Reserv. Manage. 12:81-90.
Ringler, N.H., C. Gandino, P. Hirethota, R. Danahey, P. Tango, M. Arrigo, C. Morgan, C. Millard, M. Murphy, R.J. Sloan, and S.W. Effler. 1995. Fish communities and habitats in Onondaga Lake, adjoining portions of the Seneca River, and lake tributaries. Chapter 6.3 in S.W. Effler (ed.) Limnology and Environmental Management of a Polluted Urban Lake – Prelude to Environmental Management of Onondaga Lake, New York. Springer-Verlag, New York, NY.
Tango, P. J., C. Gandino, P. Hirethota, and N.H. Ringler. 1992. Spatial variations of dissolved oxygen and potential refugia in a hypereutrophic lake. Abstract. Northeast Fish and Wildlife Conference. Norfolk, VA.
Tango, P.J., E.D. Michael and J. I Cromer. 1991. Seasonal movements of river otters in the West Fork River, West Virginia. Proc. Southeast Fish and Wildlife Conference, White Sulphur Springs, WV. 45:64-72.
Tango, P. J., E.D. Michael and J. I. Cromer. 1991. Mating and first-season births in interstate transplanted river otters, Lutra canadensis (Carnivora: Mustelidae). Brimleyana. 17: 53-55.
Tango, P. 1991. Fall and winter observations on American woodcock at the Eastern Shore National Wildlife Refuge, 1987-1991. Abstract. The First Eastern Shore Natural Resources Symposium. Cape Charles, VA.
Buhlmann, K. and P. Tango. 1989. Tracking the timberdoodle. Virginia Wildl. 50(9):14-19.

**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.

4 puzzle pieces to represent CBP's monitoring efforts

USGS and CBP produce report to enhance Chesapeake Bay and watershed monitoring networks

Issue: In March 2021, the Principals’ Staff Committee (PSC) requested a study and recommendations on how to enhance the Chesapeake Bay Program (CBP) monitoring networks to improve decision-making for the goals of the Chesapeake Watershed Agreement. The monitoring networks include (1) CBP core networks supported primarily by EPA CBP funding (i.e., Tidal Water Quality, Nontidal Water Quality...
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Chesapeake Bay Activities
USGS and CBP produce report to enhance Chesapeake Bay and watershed monitoring networks

USGS and CBP produce report to enhance Chesapeake Bay and watershed monitoring networks

Issue: In March 2021, the Principals’ Staff Committee (PSC) requested a study and recommendations on how to enhance the Chesapeake Bay Program (CBP) monitoring networks to improve decision-making for the goals of the Chesapeake Watershed Agreement. The monitoring networks include (1) CBP core networks supported primarily by EPA CBP funding (i.e., Tidal Water Quality, Nontidal Water Quality...
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Lake Wales Ridge National Wildlife Refuge, FWS

Record Freshwater Flow in Water Year 2019 Affects Conditions in the Chesapeake Bay

The U.S Geological Survey (USGS) reports that freshwater flow into the Chesapeake Bay during water year (WY) 2019 was the highest flow on record (fig. 1). The record freshwater flow washes more pollutants into the Chesapeake Bay and affects dissolved oxygen and habitat conditions for oysters, crabs, and finfish. The 2019 water year is the period from October 1, 2018, through September 30, 2019...
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Core Science Systems Mission Area, Chesapeake Bay Activities
Record Freshwater Flow in Water Year 2019 Affects Conditions in the Chesapeake Bay

Record Freshwater Flow in Water Year 2019 Affects Conditions in the Chesapeake Bay

The U.S Geological Survey (USGS) reports that freshwater flow into the Chesapeake Bay during water year (WY) 2019 was the highest flow on record (fig. 1). The record freshwater flow washes more pollutants into the Chesapeake Bay and affects dissolved oxygen and habitat conditions for oysters, crabs, and finfish. The 2019 water year is the period from October 1, 2018, through September 30, 2019...
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Chart of the 2018 Summer river flow in to the Chesapeake Bay

The Effects of Florence and High River Flow During Summer 2018 on the Chesapeake Bay

Prepared by the U.S. Geological Survey and Chesapeake Bay Program, Updated September 17, 2018.
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Chesapeake Bay Activities
The Effects of Florence and High River Flow During Summer 2018 on the Chesapeake Bay

The Effects of Florence and High River Flow During Summer 2018 on the Chesapeake Bay

Prepared by the U.S. Geological Survey and Chesapeake Bay Program, Updated September 17, 2018.
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Map of Real-time river flows 9/12/2018

USGS and Partner Efforts to Monitor High River Flow During Summer, 2018 and Potential Effects of Hurricane Florence on the Chesapeake Bay Watershed

Prepared by Scott Phillips and Peter Tango, USGS and Chesapeake Scientific, Technical Analysis, and Reporting (STAR) team, September 12, 2018
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Chesapeake Bay Activities
USGS and Partner Efforts to Monitor High River Flow During Summer, 2018 and Potential Effects of Hurricane Florence on the Chesapeake Bay Watershed

USGS and Partner Efforts to Monitor High River Flow During Summer, 2018 and Potential Effects of Hurricane Florence on the Chesapeake Bay Watershed

Prepared by Scott Phillips and Peter Tango, USGS and Chesapeake Scientific, Technical Analysis, and Reporting (STAR) team, September 12, 2018
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Experts forecast Chesapeake Bay dead zone to be near average in summer 2024

Experts forecast Chesapeake Bay dead zone to be near average in summer 2024

Chesapeake Bay Program — Press Release — June 21, 2024

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USGS Scientists Receive EPA Gold Medal for Chesapeake Science Efforts

USGS Scientists Receive EPA Gold Medal for Chesapeake Science Efforts

Several U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) scientists have been chosen to receive a 2018 National U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Gold Medal for...

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