Abstract
ABSTRACT In Chesapeake Bay, a baywide decline of all submersed aquatic vegetation (SAV) began in the late 1960s. The decline was related to increasing amounts of nutrients and sediments resulting from shoreline and watershed development. In the bay, SAV are rarely considered a nuisance, since they contribute to high baywide productivity and habitat quality. Because SAV is a critical part of the bay's food chain and is sensitive to water quality, it is considered a potential indicator of the bay's health. A conceptual model was developed, which illustrates water quality parameters that influence SAV distribution and abundance. Environmental factors contributing to light attenuation were used to formulate SAV habitat requirements. SAV habitat requirements based on specific water quality standards represent characteristics minimally necessary to sustain plants in shallow water. Improvements in water quality in the bay are predicted to result in increases in the density and biomass of SAV.
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