Bay Monitoring

Phytoplankton

Nets like these are used to collect phytoplankton and zooplankton samples.

The phytoplankton component evaluates information collected at 12 Bay mainstem and tidal tributary stations 14 times per year. Phytoplankton are a critical component of the Bay ecosystem and represent the first biological response to the Bay’s nutrient enrichment problem. It is the overgrowth of algae that has led to the Bay’s low oxygen problems. Results are used to show the success of Bay cleanup efforts, explain important linkages between water quality and living resources, and provide an early warning of potentially harmful exotic species.

For more information, please contact
Cathy Wazniak at (410) 260-8638.

Bay Monitoring Info:

Water Quality Data
"Eyes on the Bay"

River Input

Water & Habitat

Nutrient Limitation

Ecosystem Processes

Benthos

Phytoplankton

Zooplankton

Bay Grasses

Tidal Fish

Research Vessel Kerhin

Chesapeake Bay Home

Bays & Streams Home

DNR Home

View the latest phytoplankton data from our monitoring stations.

Learn more about Harmful Algae Blooms in Maryland

Why does the Bay look brown? Find out more about the Prorocentrum minimum Spring 2000 Bloom.

If you would like to learn more about phytoplankton, please visit the Chesapeake Bay Life Guide.

Restoration and Protection | Bay Grasses | Harmful Algae | Bay Monitoring
Bay Life Guide | Bay Education

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