Dissolved OxygenOxygen levels are low in some areas Although the Coastal Bays are shallow lagoons
which typically do not stratify, oxygen values were frequently low in some
areas. Dissolved oxygen (DO) data sources show
that Bishopville Prong, Shingle Landing Prong, areas of the St.
Martin River, dead-end canals and some areas in Chincoteague Bay
have poor fish and crab habitat (DO < 3mg/L) during summer
months. Additional areas that have DO levels below the state
criteria of 5 mg/L include Ayer, Trappe, Newport, Marshall Greys,
Manklin, Herring and Turville Creeks, as well as areas in
Chincoteague Bay. Areas that have < 5 mg/L DO during the
day may provide stressful habitat at night. |
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Status of dissolved oxygen based on median concentrations during the summer (June through September) of 2001 through 2003 was calculated for the Coastal Bays. More Information on Oxygen in the Bays The Maryland Department of Natural Resources now has three continuous monitors deployed in the Coastal Bays. Monitors are located in Bishopville Prong, Turville Creek and Public Landing. Kitts Branch (runs into Trappe Creek) data showed low levels of DO warranting a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) for biochemical oxygen demand (BOD). Check the Maryland Department of Environment's website for more information on TMDL's.
For more information, download the
Dissolved Oxygen in
the Coastal Bays report.
(pdf file: 1,692 KB - this
document was created as a brochure; therefore, the pages in the file are
not consecutive. It is best if printed double
sided on 11" x 17" paper).
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