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- Research and Technical Reports (12)
- Aquatic Health Sciences Peer-Reviewed Articles (6)
- Fisheries Science Peer-Reviewed Articles (4)
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- Biological Sciences Peer-Reviewed Articles (3)
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- Fisheries Science Reports (3)
- SAV Reports (3)
- Virginia Sea Grant Reports (3)
- Chesapeake Bay (2)
- ESL Publications (2)
- Educational Series (ED) (2)
- SAV (2)
- Special Reports in Applied Marine Science and Ocean Engineering (SRAMSOE) (2)
- Age (1)
- Aquatic Vegetation (1)
- BIVALVES; HYPOXIA; LARVAL SETTLEMENT; METAMORPHOSIS; MORPHOLOGY (1)
- BLUE CRAB; MEGALOPAE; TRANSPORT; VERTICAL MIGRATION (1)
- Benthos -- Chesapeake Bay (Md. and Va.) (1)
- Busycon carica (1)
- Chitin degradation (1)
- Crassostrea -- Diseases (1)
- Crassostrea -- Immunology (1)
- Environmental protection -- Citizen participation; Environmental education -- Virginia (1)
- Exocrine pancreas (1)
- Fecundity (1)
- Fish (1)
- Fisheries Science (1)
- Growth (1)
- Immunoassay; Parasite; Prevalence; Intensity; Oyster; Salinity; Temperature (1)
- Institute History (VIMS) (1)
Articles 1 - 30 of 33
Full-Text Articles in Life Sciences
Ecosystem Process Modeling Of Submerged Aquatic Vegetation In The Lower Chesapeake Bay, R. L. Wetzel, M. B. Meyers
Ecosystem Process Modeling Of Submerged Aquatic Vegetation In The Lower Chesapeake Bay, R. L. Wetzel, M. B. Meyers
Reports
No abstract provided.
Distribution Of Submerged Aquatic Vegetation In The Chesapeake Bay And Tributaries And Chincoteague Bay - 1993, Robert J. Orth, Judith F. Nowak, Gary F. Anderson, Jennifer R. Whiting
Distribution Of Submerged Aquatic Vegetation In The Chesapeake Bay And Tributaries And Chincoteague Bay - 1993, Robert J. Orth, Judith F. Nowak, Gary F. Anderson, Jennifer R. Whiting
Reports
No abstract provided.
Settlement Of Oyster (Crassostrea-Virginica) Larvae - Effects Of Water-Flow And A Water-Soluble Chemical Cue, Ej Turner, Rk Zimmerfaust, Ma Palmer, M Luckenbach, Nd Pentcheff
Settlement Of Oyster (Crassostrea-Virginica) Larvae - Effects Of Water-Flow And A Water-Soluble Chemical Cue, Ej Turner, Rk Zimmerfaust, Ma Palmer, M Luckenbach, Nd Pentcheff
VIMS Articles
Although previous evidence indicates that larvae of benthic marine invertebrates can respond to waterborne cues in still water, the importance of waterborne cues in mediating natural settlement out of flowing water has been questioned. Here, we summarize the results of flume experiments demonstrating enhanced settlement of oyster larvae in small target wells (circles of 7-cm diam) with the release of a waterborne settlement cue compared to identical substrates without the cue. In concurrent still-water experiments, more oyster larvae settled in solutions of waterborne cue than in seawater controls. Velocity and electrochemical measurements of a conservative tracer verified that at low …
A Pc-Based Tidal Prism Water Quality Model For Small Coastal Basins And Tidal Creeks, Albert Y. Kuo, Kyeong Park
A Pc-Based Tidal Prism Water Quality Model For Small Coastal Basins And Tidal Creeks, Albert Y. Kuo, Kyeong Park
Reports
No abstract provided.
Seed Dispersal In A Marine Macrophyte - Implications For Colonization And Restoration, R J. Orth, Mark Luckenbach, Ken Moore
Seed Dispersal In A Marine Macrophyte - Implications For Colonization And Restoration, R J. Orth, Mark Luckenbach, Ken Moore
VIMS Articles
No abstract provided.
Exocrine Pancreatic Neoplasms In The Mummichog (Fundulus Heteroclitus) From A Creosote-Contaminated Site, John W. Fournie, Wolfgang K. Vogelbein
Exocrine Pancreatic Neoplasms In The Mummichog (Fundulus Heteroclitus) From A Creosote-Contaminated Site, John W. Fournie, Wolfgang K. Vogelbein
VIMS Articles
A high prevalence of exocrine pancreatic neoplasms occurred in mummichog, Fundulus heteroclitus, from a creosote-contaminated site in the Elizabeth River, Virginia. A total of 20 neoplasms were found in a group of about 1,300 fish obtained at this site over a 2-yr period. Of 240 fish collected during October 1991, 3.3% had pancreatic neoplasms. Adjusted total lesion prevalence for large adult fish (Size Class III: total length = 75–85 mm; Size Class IV: total length > 85 mm) was 6.7%. Pancreatic neoplasms were not observed in 234 fish collected at this site during May 1991, nor were they found in …
Trends In The Distribution, Abundance, And Habitat Quality Of Submerged Aquatic Vegetation In Chesapeake Bay And Its Tidal Tributaries: 1971 To 1991, Robert J. Orth, Richard A. Batiuk, Judith F. Nowak
Trends In The Distribution, Abundance, And Habitat Quality Of Submerged Aquatic Vegetation In Chesapeake Bay And Its Tidal Tributaries: 1971 To 1991, Robert J. Orth, Richard A. Batiuk, Judith F. Nowak
Reports
This report builds on two decades of aerial and ground survey SA V distribution data, as well as development of SA V habitat requirements, establishment of SAV restoration goals and targets, compilation of historical water quality data, and implementation of a baywide monitoring program. The objectives of this report are to:
• describe trends in SAV distribution and abundance in Chesapeake Bay and its tidaf tributaries from 1 971 to 1991 ;
• relate SAV distribution over time with tiered distribution restoration goals and targets;
• compare trends in SAV distribution with corresponding trends in water quality; and • correlate …
Campus Of Virginia Institute Of Marine Science, School Of Marine Science, The College Of William And Mary, Virginia Institute Of Marine Science
Campus Of Virginia Institute Of Marine Science, School Of Marine Science, The College Of William And Mary, Virginia Institute Of Marine Science
Miscellaneous
No abstract provided.
Survival Of Juvenile Caribbean Spiny Lobster: Effects Of Shelter Size, Geographic Location And Conspecific Abundance, Jd Mintz, Rom Lipcius, Db Eggleson, Ms Seebo
Survival Of Juvenile Caribbean Spiny Lobster: Effects Of Shelter Size, Geographic Location And Conspecific Abundance, Jd Mintz, Rom Lipcius, Db Eggleson, Ms Seebo
VIMS Articles
The Caribbean spiny lobster Panulirus argus seeks structured shelter throughout its benthic phase, often forming aggregations within shelters. Casitas - concrete, low-relief, artificial shelters - are effective in aggregating lobsters, and are used to harvest spiny lobster in the Caribbean. However, casitas may also enhance populations of P. argus, by providing shelter from predation. In this study we examined the effects of various shelter features upon the survival of juvenile P. argus. Juvenile lobsters were tethered at several artificial shelter treatments in Florida Bay, Florida, USA, to test the efficacy of casitas as refuge from predation. Survival of juveniles was …
Paddlefish Buccal Flow Velocity During Ram Suspension Feeding And Ram Ventilation, S. Laurie Sanderson, Joseph Cech Jr, A Y. Cheer
Paddlefish Buccal Flow Velocity During Ram Suspension Feeding And Ram Ventilation, S. Laurie Sanderson, Joseph Cech Jr, A Y. Cheer
Arts & Sciences Articles
A micro-thermistor probe was inserted into the buccal cavity of freely swimming paddlefish to measure flow velocity during ram ventilation, ram suspension feeding and prey processing. Swimming speed was measured from videotapes recorded simultaneously with the buccal flow velocity measurements. Both swimming velocity and buccal flow velocity were significantly higher during suspension feeding than during ram ventilation. As the paddlefish shifted from ventilation to feeding, buccal flow velocity increased to approximately 60 % of the swimming velocity. During prey processing, buccal flow velocity was significantly higher than the swimming velocity, indicating that prey processing involves the generation of suction. The …
The In-Vitro Life-Cycle Of A Perkinsus Species (Apicomplexa, Perkinsidae) Isolated From Macoma-Balthica (Linneaus, 1758), Sj Kleinschuster, Fo Perkins, Mj Dykstra, Sl Swink
The In-Vitro Life-Cycle Of A Perkinsus Species (Apicomplexa, Perkinsidae) Isolated From Macoma-Balthica (Linneaus, 1758), Sj Kleinschuster, Fo Perkins, Mj Dykstra, Sl Swink
VIMS Articles
Using standard sterile techniques and a single medium previously described (Kleinschuster and Swink 1993), the in vitro culture of a Perkinsus species isolated from Macoma balthica was possible. Zoosporulation, the release of zoospores, and the reestablishment of secondary cultures from the zoospores completed an in vitro life cycle.
In-Vitro And In-Vivo Effects Of 8 Chemotherapeutants On The Oyster Parasite Perkinsus-Marinus (Mackin, Owen, And Collier), Gustavo W. Calvo, Eugene M. Burreson
In-Vitro And In-Vivo Effects Of 8 Chemotherapeutants On The Oyster Parasite Perkinsus-Marinus (Mackin, Owen, And Collier), Gustavo W. Calvo, Eugene M. Burreson
VIMS Articles
Eight therapeutants were tested for in vitro inhibition of Perkinsus marinus (Mackin, Owen, and Collier) enlargement and in vivo control of established infections. In addition, acute toxicity of six anticoccidials to oysters was determined. For in vitro experiments 0.2 ml aliquots of infected hemolymph were exposed to 5 concentrations (100 mg/l, 10 mg/l, 1 mg/l, 0.1 mg/l and 0.01 mg/1) of amprolium, arprinocid, cycloheximide, lasalocid, malachite green, monensin, sulfadimethoxine, and a potentiated sulfadimethoxine. Exposure lasted 1 day and was followed by incubation in fluid thioglycollate medium. Lasalocid and malachite green were the most effective compounds, showing significant anti-P. marinus activity …
Characterization Of Overwintering Infections Of Perkinsus-Marinus (Apicomplexa) In Chesapeake Bay Oysters, Lisa M. Ragone Calvo, Em Burreson
Characterization Of Overwintering Infections Of Perkinsus-Marinus (Apicomplexa) In Chesapeake Bay Oysters, Lisa M. Ragone Calvo, Em Burreson
VIMS Articles
To determine the nature and abundance of over-wintering P. marinus infections, infected oysters (Crassostrea virginica) collected from the upper James River, VA, were placed in a tray and suspended from a pier in the lower York River, VA in November 1991. Every six weeks through May 1992 oysters (n = 25) were removed from the tray, examined for P. marinus by hemolymph culture in fluid thioglycollate medium (FTM), gradually warmed in individual containers to 25-degrees-C and held for one month. After the incubation period, which permitted the development of very light and/or cryptic parasite stages to detectable levels, the oysters …
Growth And Mortality Of Eastern Oysters, Crassostrea-Virginica (Gmelin, 1791), And Pacific Oysters, Crassostrea-Gigas (Thunberg, 1793) Under Challenge From The Parasite, Perkinsus-Marinus, Bruce J. Barber, Roger L. Mann
Growth And Mortality Of Eastern Oysters, Crassostrea-Virginica (Gmelin, 1791), And Pacific Oysters, Crassostrea-Gigas (Thunberg, 1793) Under Challenge From The Parasite, Perkinsus-Marinus, Bruce J. Barber, Roger L. Mann
VIMS Articles
Stocks of oysters Crassostrea virginica and C. gigas were produced in the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) hatchery in April 1991 and grown in two quarantined flumes receiving water from the York River, VA. From July 1991 through November 1992, growth and mortality of both species were compared. Also, beginning in June 1992 one flume (containing one group of each species) was ''dosed'' (oysters infected with P. marinus added) and the other flume remained ''undosed'' (no infected oysters added). Disease prevalence and intensity, mortality, and shell height were compared both within (between undosed and dosed groups) and between species. …
Aerobic And Anaerobic Degradation And Mineralization Of C-14 Chitin By Water Column And Sediment Inocula Of The York-River-Estuary, Virginia, Jn Boyer
VIMS Articles
Potential rates of chitin degradation (C(d)) and mineralization (C(m)) by estuarine water and sediment bacteria were measured as a function of inoculum source, temperature, and oxygen condition. In the water column inoculum, 88 to 93% of the particulate chitin was mineralized to CO2 with no apparent lag between degradation and mineralization. No measurable dissolved pool of radiolabel was found in the water column. For the sediment inocula, 70 to 90% of the chitin was degraded while only 55 to 65% was mineralized to CO2. C-14 label recoveries in the dissolved pool were 19 to 21% for sand, 17 to 24% …
Quantifying Seasonal-Variation In Somatic Tissue - Surfclam Spisula-Solidissima (Dillwyn, 1817) - A Case-Study, Joseph G. Loesch, David A. Evans
Quantifying Seasonal-Variation In Somatic Tissue - Surfclam Spisula-Solidissima (Dillwyn, 1817) - A Case-Study, Joseph G. Loesch, David A. Evans
VIMS Articles
Condition indexes are commonly derived from bivalve species. Usable meat yields (UMY, in l/bu) from 181 daily landings of Atlantic surfclams, Spisula solidissima (Dellwyn, 1817), at a Virginia processing plant in 1974 and 160 landings in 1975 were used as an index in our analysis. The data were fitted to a basic sinusoidal model and a two-compartment sinusoidal model to demonstrate the utility of these models for quantifying cyclic events. The basic model, x = x(0) + A cos2 pi t + B sin2 pi t, is linear in its independent variables and fitted by multiple regression, with x = …
Technical Efficiency, Biological Considerations, And Management And Regulation Of The Sea-Scallop, Placopecten-Magellanicus (Gmelin, 1791) Fishery, James E. Kirkley, William D. Dupaul
Technical Efficiency, Biological Considerations, And Management And Regulation Of The Sea-Scallop, Placopecten-Magellanicus (Gmelin, 1791) Fishery, James E. Kirkley, William D. Dupaul
VIMS Articles
Achieving social and economic efficiency in a fishery requires that production be technically efficient. Yet, technical efficiency (TE) is rarely examined for a fishery. By the use of detailed trip-level data and information about resource conditions obtained from routine sampling, a stochastic frontier production model relating landings to days at sea, crew size, and resource conditions is specified and estimated for 10 Mid-Atlantic sea scallop (Placopecten magellanicus) dredge vessels. TE is shown to depend partly on the mix of controllable inputs such as days at sea and crew size but possibly more on uncontrollable factors such as resource conditions and …
Reproductive Activity Of Oysters, Crassostrea-Virginica (Gmelin, 1791) In The James River, Virginia, During 1987-1988, Roger L. Mann, Julia S. Rainer, Reinaldo Morales-Alamo
Reproductive Activity Of Oysters, Crassostrea-Virginica (Gmelin, 1791) In The James River, Virginia, During 1987-1988, Roger L. Mann, Julia S. Rainer, Reinaldo Morales-Alamo
VIMS Articles
Reproductive activity in oysters, Crassostrea virginica Gmelin, in the James River, Virginia, was examined for 1987 from weekly estimates for fecundity and egg viability in oysters collected from Wreck Shoal, and for 1988 from weekly estimates of fecundity, egg viability, gonad volume fraction, gonad thickness, and mean egg size in oysters collected from Horsehead Reef. Maximum and mean fecundity values from Wreck Shoal oysters were higher than from Horsehead oysters. No relationship was evident between fecundity and egg viability at Horsehead Reef. A strong temporal relationship was observed between egg viability and peak oyster settlement in the James in both …
Vertical Migration Of Blue Crab Callinectes Sapidus Megalopae: Implications For Transport In Estuaries, Ej Olmi
VIMS Articles
Following larval development in coastal waters, postlarvae (megalopae) of the blue crab Callinectes sapidus Rathbun enter inlets and, against the net seaward flow of estuarine waters, move upstream to juvenile habitats. Abundance and vertical distribution of blue crab megalopae in the York River, Virginia, USA, a subsetuary of Chesapeake Bay, was quanitified to examine the hypothesis that megalopae are not transported simply as passive particles, but display behaviors that augment their immigration. Megalopal abundance and depth distribution and environmental variables were measured at shallow (3 to 4 m) sites in 1988 and 1989 and at a deep (10 m) site …
Description Of Metamorphic Phases In The Oyster Crassostrea Virginica And Effects Of Hypoxia On Metamorphosis, Sm Baker, Roger L. Mann
Description Of Metamorphic Phases In The Oyster Crassostrea Virginica And Effects Of Hypoxia On Metamorphosis, Sm Baker, Roger L. Mann
VIMS Articles
Four phases of metamorphosis in the eastern oyster Crassostrea virginica were characterized:'settlers' have attached to the substrate but retain larval characteristics; metamorphosis and degeneration of the velum has begun in 'prodissoconch postlarvae'; in 'dissoconch postlarvae' shell growth beyond the prodissoconch has begun but the foot persists; and 'juveniles' have lost all larval organs and metamorphosis is complete. These phases were used in examining the metamorphic process during and following continuous and short-term exposures to hypoxia (1.5 mg O-2 l(-1), 20 % of air saturation) and microxia (< 0.07 mg O(2)l(-1), < 1 % of air saturation). We observed no abnormal development in the oysters, but development was delayed following 3 d exposures to hypoxia, and 2 and 3 d exposures to microxia. Under continuous exposure to microxia, oysters did not develop to the dissoconch postlarva or juvenile phases. Approximately 50 % of the control oysters died within the 2 wk period following settlement. Morality was virtually confined to the settler and prodissoconch postlarva phases. Short-term exposures to hypoxia (1 to 3 d) and microxia (1 d) had little effect on the median mortality time or final total mortality, compared to controls. Microxic treatments longer than 1 d did affect mortality and oysters continuously exposed to microxia had a median mortality time of 87 h. Short-term exposures to low oxygen did not have permanent effects on post-settlement growth rates. Oysters exposed to microxic treatments, however, appeared to have slower growth rates during the exposure period. We conclude that low oxygen conditions, in particular those that are microxic and last longer than 24 h, have detrimental effects on the development, growth, and mortality of post settlement oysters.
Comparison Of Infectivity And Pathogenicity Of Meront (Trophozoite) And Prezoosporangiae Stages Of The Oyster Pathogen Perkinsus-Marinus In Eastern Oysters, Crassostrea-Virginica (Gmelin, 1791), Aswani Volety, Fu-Lin E. Chu
Comparison Of Infectivity And Pathogenicity Of Meront (Trophozoite) And Prezoosporangiae Stages Of The Oyster Pathogen Perkinsus-Marinus In Eastern Oysters, Crassostrea-Virginica (Gmelin, 1791), Aswani Volety, Fu-Lin E. Chu
VIMS Articles
Two experiments were conducted to compare the infectivity and pathogenicity of two life stages of the parasite Perkinsus marinus, meronts (trophozoites) and prezoosporangia (hypnospores), in eastern oysters, Crassostrea virginica. Oysters were inoculated with 5 X 10(4) meronts or prezoosporangia per oyster by injection into the shell cavity. Prevalence and intensity of P. marinus infections, condition index, serum protein concentrations, and lysozyme activities were measured in oysters after 15, 25, 40, and 65 days in experiment 1 and after 20, 40, 50, 65, and 75 days postchallenge by P. marinus cells in experiment 2. Controls were injected with filtered York River …
Age, Growth Rate, Sexual Dimorphism And Fecundity Of Knobbed Whelk Busycon Carica (Gmelin, 1791) In A Western Mid-Atlantic Lagoon System, Virginia, Micheal Castagna, John H. Kraeuter
Age, Growth Rate, Sexual Dimorphism And Fecundity Of Knobbed Whelk Busycon Carica (Gmelin, 1791) In A Western Mid-Atlantic Lagoon System, Virginia, Micheal Castagna, John H. Kraeuter
VIMS Articles
Growth, onset of sexual maturity, and sexual reversal in laboratory-reared Busycon carica have been examined. Animals first matured at 9 years of age. The first sign of maturity in all animals we reared was the presence of the penis. At 12.4 years of age, one of the animals laid an egg case that did not contain embryos. This animal, and all others, still retained a penis. At 13.5 years, three egg cases were laid and over half the animals had undergone sex reversal (loss of the penis). Field studies have shown that egg strings are laid in the fall on …
Potential Range Of The Zebra Mussel, Dreissena Polymorpha, In And Near Virginia, Patrick Baker, Shirley Baker, Roger L. Mann
Potential Range Of The Zebra Mussel, Dreissena Polymorpha, In And Near Virginia, Patrick Baker, Shirley Baker, Roger L. Mann
Reports
This publication is devoted to predictions of the probability of invasion by the zebra mussel, Dreissena polymorpha (and the quagga mussel, Dreissena sp.) to specific bodies of water in Virginia. Probability of invasion is divided into risk and susceptibility. Risk refers to the chance, relative to other sites, that a body of water will be inoculated with Dreissena, in sufficient number to establish a population. Inoculation can occur by natural dispersal, but in the mid-Atlantic region is most likely to-occur though accidental introduction by humans, especially via boat traffic. Susceptibility of a body of water refers to the probability, based …
The Status Of Virginia's Public Oyster Resource 1993, Reinaldo Alonzo-Morales, Roger Mann
The Status Of Virginia's Public Oyster Resource 1993, Reinaldo Alonzo-Morales, Roger Mann
Reports
This report summarizes data collected during 1993 in the Virginia portion of the Chesapeake Bay. The report is composed of two parts, part one, oyster recruitment (shell string) in Virginia and part two, dredge survey of selected oyster bars in Virginia.
Life Cycle Studies Of Perkinsus Marinus : Host Specificity : Final Report, Grant # Na16fl0399-01, Frank O. Perkins
Life Cycle Studies Of Perkinsus Marinus : Host Specificity : Final Report, Grant # Na16fl0399-01, Frank O. Perkins
Reports
This project represents a renewal of Grant# NA16FL0399-0l designed to further investigate the host specificity of Perkinsus marinus by surveying for its presence in molluscs obtained from Virginia's coastal and estuarine waters. As a result of that survey, determinations were made as to the host species most appropriate for use in transmission-of-infection experiments.
A Physiological Approach To The Understanding Of Parasite (Perkinsus Marinus) Interactions : Pathological Effects And Disease Resistance, Bruce Barber, Roger L. Mann
A Physiological Approach To The Understanding Of Parasite (Perkinsus Marinus) Interactions : Pathological Effects And Disease Resistance, Bruce Barber, Roger L. Mann
Reports
No abstract provided.
Evaluation Of Seismic Sources For Repelling Sea Turtles From Hopper Dredges, Virginia Institute Of Marine Science, John A. Musick, John A. Keinath, Et Al
Evaluation Of Seismic Sources For Repelling Sea Turtles From Hopper Dredges, Virginia Institute Of Marine Science, John A. Musick, John A. Keinath, Et Al
Reports
Hopper dredges are an effective way to both widen and deepen channels to accommodate deep draft shipping traffic. These dredging operations are required to comply with the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (Dickerson et al., 1991, Studt, 1985). It has been found that sea turtles can be entrained and killed during normal dredging operations. The five species of sea turtles that occur in the southeastern united states which may be harmed by dredging operations are the loggerhead (Caretta caretta), the green (Chelonia mydas), the Kemp's ridley (Lenidochelys kemnii) , the hawksbill (Eretomochelys imbricata) , and the leatherback (Qermochelys coriacea). Because …
Virginia Institute Of Marine Science’S Trawl Survey, P. J. Geer
Virginia Institute Of Marine Science’S Trawl Survey, P. J. Geer
Reports
No abstract provided.
Evaluation Of Striped Bass Stocks In Virginia, Monitoring And Tagging Studies, 1993-1994 Annual Report, 1 September 1993 - 31 August 1994, Bruce W. Hill, Joseph G. Loesch
Evaluation Of Striped Bass Stocks In Virginia, Monitoring And Tagging Studies, 1993-1994 Annual Report, 1 September 1993 - 31 August 1994, Bruce W. Hill, Joseph G. Loesch
Reports
No abstract provided.
Chesapeake Bay Benthic Community Restoration Goals, J. Ananda Ranasinghe, Stephen B. Weisberg, Daniel M. Dauer, Linda C. Schaffner, Robert J. Diaz, Jeffrey B. Frithsen
Chesapeake Bay Benthic Community Restoration Goals, J. Ananda Ranasinghe, Stephen B. Weisberg, Daniel M. Dauer, Linda C. Schaffner, Robert J. Diaz, Jeffrey B. Frithsen
Reports
Benthic macroinvertebrate assemblages have been an integral part of the Chesapeake Bay monitoring program since its inception due to their ecological importance and their value as biological indicators. The condition of benthic assemblages reflects an integration of temporally variable environmental conditions and the effects of multiple types of environmental stresses. As such, benthic assemblages provide a useful complement to more temporally variable chemical and water quality monitoring measures.
While assessments using benthic monitoring data have been useful for characterizing changes in environmental conditions at individual sites over time, and for relating the condition of sites to pollution loadings and sources, …