Ocean City Research Articles

Comparing the localized feeding ecology of black sea bass (Centropristis striata) at natural and artificial reefs: gut content and stable isotope analyses

Black sea bass (Centropristis striata) feed on epibenthic prey, particularly decapods, and become more piscivorous as they grow larger, a trend that has energetic consequences for growth. In the coming decades, construction of wind energy systems will expose black sea bass to a large-scale manipulation of continental shelf habitats in the northeastern United States. In this study, we tested the effects of habitat type (natural versus artificial reef habitats) on size, age, growth, diet, and trophic dynamics of black sea bass, using 407 specimens collected with rod-and-reel gear near Ocean City, Maryland, in 2016 and 2018. No significant differences in fish length, age, size at age, or diet are attributable to habitat. The stable isotope composition (δ13C and δ15N) in samples of 3 tissue types (liver, muscle, and mucus) vary significantly by habitat except for δ15N values in mucus samples. Across tissue type, δ13C values are higher for fish at artificial habitats, indicating more littoral than pelagic feeding. We conclude that, although both types of reef habitats are ecologically equivalent as a source of growth and diet for black sea bass, the differences in stable isotope signatures indicate functional differences in system energy flow that should be investigated further in this and other marine species that will be affected by offshore wind energy development.

Cities in the heat: Unveiling the urbanized impacted surface urban heat island of South Korea's metropolises

The present study delves into the dynamics of SUHI in six major cities of South Korea. This study utilized the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) Land Surface Temperature (LST), European Space Agency Climate Change Initiative (ESA-CCI) Land use land cover (LULC), wind speed, relative humidity (RH), city size, city mean elevation, and population density data. Findings of this study exhibited higher daytime LST compared to nighttime with evident trend in Seoul, Incheon, and Jeju. Similarly, a great influence of SUHI showed by all cities with averaged SUHI of daytime (1.94 °C) was higher than nighttime (1.23 °C). Notably, the daytime SUHI was more pronounced in inland cities (2.3 °C) whereas, the nighttime SUHI was more evident in ocean cities (1.29 °C). Findings of this study illuminated inverse relationship of wind speed, RH, city size (r2= 0.58, p<0.05) and city mean elevation (r2= 0.41, p<0.05) with SUHI whereas a positive and strong correlation exhibited by population density with SUHI (r2= 0.73/, p<0.05). Findings of this study contribute to a deeper understanding of SUHI patterns in South Korea, by shedding light on various environmental factors which can hold implications for urban planning and more informed decisions to combat with the adverse impacts of SUHI.

ER-OCN: Toward efficient network routing in ocean city based on deep reinforcement learning

Smart ocean cities are crucial to future city development, and offshore networks are an essential part of smart ocean cities. Nowadays, communication in offshore networks is becoming increasingly important. However, the offshore networks are highly heterogeneous, with low reliability, narrow bandwidth, and dramatic dynamics. Offshore networks are more challenging to manage than traditional terrestrial networks, and the standard quality of service routing faces significant challenges. Currently, artificial intelligence provides a way to meet the requirements. This paper proposes ER-OCN (Efficient Routing in Ocean City Networks), a two-stage routing optimization scheme driven by artificial intelligence to cope with the complex offshore networks environment. The first stage will calculate the flow paths based on Lagrangian relaxation. Besides, the ocean environment is under dramatic dynamics, leading to unpredictable network topology or link bandwidth changes. Thus, the second stage deployed a deep reinforcement learning algorithm to monitor the environment in real-time and update the routing strategy when needed. We conducted experiments based on actual network topology and traffic data sets of offshore platforms’ network systems. The results prove that our scheme improves communication cost performance by 36.61% compared to traditional methods.

海洋产业助力大连发展成为海洋强市路径探究

海洋产业助力大连发展成为海洋强市路径探究

Retracted: Regular Flow Field Sparse Processing and Blue Finance of Ocean City Research Based on GIS System

Retracted: Regular Flow Field Sparse Processing and Blue Finance of Ocean City Research Based on GIS System

Computer Vision Interaction Design in Sustainable Urban Development: A Case Study of Roof Garden Landscape Plants in Marine Cities.

The rapid urbanization and the increasing need for sustainable development have led to the emergence of green roof landscapes in ocean cities. These rooftop gardens provide numerous environmental benefits and contribute to the overall well-being of urban dwellers. However, optimizing the design and interaction experience of green roof landscapes requires the integration of intelligent technologies. This paper explores the application of computer visual design techniques, specifically 3DMAX modeling and virtual reality, in the intelligent interaction design of green roof landscape plants in ocean cities. Designers can use computer visual design (3DMAX) and other technologies to interact intelligently with the roof landscape in order to improve landscape design. Through case studies, this indicated that computer vision is excellent for image processing of rooftop landscapes and also demonstrates a high degree of compatibility between computer vision and green rooftop landscape plant design in marine cities. This paper highlights the significance of intelligent interaction design and computer visual design techniques in optimizing the integration of green roof landscape plants in ocean cities. It emphasizes the potential of 3DMAX modeling and VR technology in creating immersive and engaging experiences for designers, users, and stakeholders alike. The findings contribute to the growing body of knowledge in the field of sustainable urban development and provide insights for designers, policymakers, and researchers seeking to enhance green roof landscapes in ocean cities. The dissertation highlights the potential of using computer vision design techniques to enhance the roof garden landscaping process and advocates for more efficient and effective ways to design, visualize, and improve rooftop gardens by utilizing software equipped with computer vision technology such as 3DMAX, ultimately contributing to the advancement of sustainable urban landscapes.

Construction logic of ocean city branding: Based on cultural brand and cultural memory

The current ocean city development is witnessing a “transitional period” amid modernization and globalization. It has become a consensus of urban development to shape urban cultural brand through culture and stimulate the vitality of urban innovation. Previous studies mainly elaborated on the importance of urban cultural brand in urban development from the perspective of urban marketing events and festivals, but few studies focused on the construction of urban cultural brand from a humanistic perspective. Considering basic human needs, and based on Empathy Theory and Cultural Memory Theory, the current study selected Shenzhen, as the sample and adopted case study approach and grounded theory to explore the empathic elements of urban cultural brand construction from the angles of urban cultural brand and cultural memory, to clarify the memory process of urban cultural brand construction, and to explain the supply and demand sides of brand building. The exploration in this study from the dual dimensions of urban cultural supply and human cultural demand aims to provide reference for the development and promotion of ocean city cultural brand in the new era.

Ocean City, New Jersey coastal flooding management: A case study

Coastal flooding from both extreme storm events and sea level rise is impacting low-lying areas globally within the coastal zone. The intensity and frequency of these impacts are expected to increase as a result of climate change, thus requiring resilience planning to address both short- and long-term coastal change dynamics. Rates of actual and projected sea level rise in southern New Jersey are relatively high when compared to other portions of the eastern coast of the United States – partially due to glacial isostatic adjustment specific to that region. Numerous municipalities are attempting to adapt to these climate-driven coastal flooding hazards by adopting, or enhancing, integrated coastal resiliency programs. Located in southern New Jersey, the City of Ocean City has implemented numerous mitigation measures and policies focused on bolstering community resilience and managed through the implementation of various management plans. These adaptive plans’ purpose is to guide waterway maintenance; mitigate flooding through the implementation of numerous mitigation projects such as installing or upgrading pump stations and focused public engagement programs; and manage stormwater, while also protecting the environment through restoration-focused projects. Projects undertaken by the city as part of plan implementation include restoring tidal wetlands at Shooting Island, management of back bay waterways, and analysis of flooding impacts. The objective of this study is to examine one municipality that has been proactive in its climate adaptation and mitigation efforts and to disseminate the outcomes, solutions, and lessons learned for coastal managers and decisionmakers to allow them to utilize this information as the impacts of climate change continue to increase.

Eastern oysters Crassostrea virginica settle near inlets in a lagoonal estuary: spatial and temporal distribution of recruitment in Mid-Atlantic Coastal Bays (Maryland, USA).

Declines of the Eastern oyster, Crassostrea virginica, and its numerous ecological benefits have spurred oyster restoration initiatives. Successful restoration of a self-sustaining oyster population requires evaluating the temporal and spatial patterns of recruitment (settlement and survival) of oyster larvae in the target waterbody. Restoration of the Eastern oyster population in the Maryland Coastal Bays (MCBs), USA, a shallow lagoonal estuary, is of interest to federal, state, and non-governmental, but the location and timing of natural recruitment is not known. We assessed the spatial and temporal variation in oyster larval recruitment throughout the MCBs using horizontal ceramic tiles and PVC plates. Newly settled oyster larvae (recruits) were monitored biweekly from June to September 2019 and 2020 at 12 sites in the MCBs and a comparison site in Wachapreague, Virginia. Water quality measurements collected included temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, pH, and turbidity. The objectives of this study were to determine (1) the most effective substrate and design for monitoring oyster recruitment, (2) the spatial and temporal distribution of oyster larval recruitment in the MCBs, and (3) patterns in oyster larval recruitment that would be applicable to other lagoonal estuaries. (1) Ceramic tiles were more effective than PVC plates for recruiting oyster larvae. (2) Peak settlement began during the period from late June through July, and oyster recruitment was greatest at sites closest to the Ocean City and Chincoteague inlets. (3) Areas near broodstock that have slow flushing rates to retain larvae may provide the best environments for recruitment of oysters to lagoonal estuaries. As the first study on oyster larval recruitment in the MCBs, our results provide insight into their spatial and temporal distribution, methods that can serve as a foundation for future recruitment studies in other lagoonal estuaries, and baseline data that can be used to inform stakeholders and evaluate the success of oyster restoration projects in MCBs.

Multimodal Interaction of MU Plant Landscape Design in Marine Urban Based on Computer Vision Technology

At present, there is a growing focus on the landscape and environment of ocean cities, with an increasing demand for improved ecological sustainability and aesthetic appeal. With the emergence of computer vision design technologies such as 3D and VR, people have overcome the limitations of traditional paper-based design materials. Through the use of computer software, various forms of expression, such as drawings and animations, can be produced, thereby meeting the diverse demands for showcasing plant landscapes. The purpose of this paper is to study the design of marine urban (MU) botanical landscapes based on computer vision technology (CVT) and multimodal interaction design (MID) theory, so that the design of MU botanical landscape can meet people's psychological behavior and visual needs, and at the same time enable people to participate in and experience the landscape, so as to better meet people's needs for viewing, leisure, and entertainment. At the same time, it is hoped that the research of this paper will play a role in promoting the innovation and development of the concept of MU landscape design (LD) in the future, specifically from two levels of theoretical and practical significance. First, at the level of theoretical research: Based on the theory of MID, this paper explores the application of communication and interaction among humans and between humans and the landscape in the design of MU planting, and tries to explore and summarize the content and methods of interactive LD in marine cities with a theoretical basis and research value. The goal is to both enhance the theoretical level of interactive LD, and also provide new reference for future marine city (MC) LD. Second, at the level of practical application: In the field of LD, the new concept of computer vision is introduced to fully understand the visual needs of people and increase the practicality and pleasantness of the MU landscape, hoping to attract more people to come to play and rest. Through the attraction of MU landscapes to tourists, the design and construction of the landscape no longer focus on its appearance, but rather on the participation and experience of people.

Heuristic Surface Path Planning Method for AMV-Assisted Internet of Underwater Things

Ocean exploration is one of the fundamental issues for the sustainable development of human society, which is also the basis for realizing the concept of the Internet of Underwater Things (IoUT) applications, such as the smart ocean city. The collaboration of heterogeneous autonomous marine vehicles (AMVs) based on underwater wireless communication is known as a practical approach to ocean exploration, typically with the autonomous surface vehicle (ASV) and the autonomous underwater glider (AUG). However, the difference in their specifications and movements makes the following problems for collaborative work. First, when an AUG floats to a certain depth, and an ASV interacts via underwater wireless communication, the interaction has a certain time limit and their movements to an interaction position have to be synchronized; secondly, in the case where multiple AUGs are exploring underwater, the ASV needs to plan the sequence of surface interactions to ensure timely and efficient data collection. Accordingly, this paper proposes a heuristic surface path planning method for data collection with heterogeneous AMVs (HSPP-HA). The HSPP-HA optimizes the interaction schedule between ASV and multiple AUGs through a modified shuffled frog-leaping algorithm (SFLA). It applies a spatial-temporal k-means clustering in initializing the memeplex group of SFLA to adapt time-sensitive interactions by weighting their spatial and temporal proximities and adopts an adaptive convergence factor which varies by algorithm iterations to balance the local and global searches and to minimize the potential local optimum problem in each local search. Through simulations, the proposed HSPP-HA shows advantages in terms of access rate, path length and data collection rate compared to recent and classic path planning methods.

Sustainable Planning and Design of Ocean City Spatial Forms Based on Space Syntax

The form of an ocean city, as a physical space, has an important impact on the city’s social economy, environment, etc. Whether the internal composition of an ocean city is well organized determines whether its form is sustainable and whether it can better carry out a variety of functions. Considering this context, in this study, we adopted the theory of space syntax (SS) to interpret the sustainability of the ocean city form. This was carried out from the perspective of the composition relationship of the internal organization of the ocean city (OC) physical space. We judged whether the composition relationship of internal space could effectively support the sustainable and healthy functioning of different features of ocean cities through the interpretation of SS-related theories. It is extremely hard to give an accurate definition of the form of a sustainable city. At the same time, it is impossible to make conclusions about which urban form is sustainable. However, combined with the concept of sustainable development, we argue that urban forms that continue to facilitate the virtuous cycle of the society, economy, and environment of a given city and also to be highly habitable for urban residents are sustainable. Thus, based on the above viewpoint, the research object and scope in this study only involved the ontology of the physical space form and whether urban physical space could effectively support the sound and sustainable development of three core elements: urban society, the economy, and the environment. This was comprehensively evaluated through our exploration of the form of urban physical space. Here, space syntax was taken as an analytical theoretical and practical tool to summarize the problems that existed in Shenzhen Bay through data analysis, and corresponding development proposals were put forward. The concept and method behind the strategy analysis of the ocean city (OC) design framework based on SS-related theories were presented and applied to practical cases to perform an objective and rational analysis, guide the design of actual projects, and promote ocean city (OC) design in the transition period in a judicious way. In addition, we discuss how design and planning can promote sustainable urban development.

Regular Flow Field Sparse Processing and Blue Finance of Ocean City Research Based on GIS System

In order to explore the development path of blue finance in ocean cities, this paper combines GIS to conduct blue finance research in ocean cities, draws on the traditional direct visualization method of point icons, and uses arrow symbols to render vector flow field data. Moreover, this paper uses GIS means to perform statistical analysis on flow field data, studies the adaptive sparse algorithm of flow field data spatial structure based on GIS, and proposes a program implementation method for regular flow field sparse processing suitable for the general flow of the sparse algorithm. The experimental research shows that the GIS technology proposed in this paper can play an important role in the research of blue finance in ocean cities and has a certain role in promoting the development of ocean blue finance.

A Numerical Model to Simulate Beach and Dune Evolution

Zhang, J. and Larson, M., 2022. A numerical model to simulate beach and dune evolution. Journal of Coastal Research, 38(4), 776–784. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208. A numerical model to simulate cross-shore (CS) beach and dune evolution induced by storms was developed in this study. The model development was partly based on previous CS modeling work in which modules describing the response of the beach profile in the offshore, surf, and swash zone were described in detail, but where the dune module is lacking. The dune module, adopting wave impact theory, was integrated into the previous model to complete a new numerical model. To calibrate and validate the new model, high-quality data on hydrodynamics and dune profile response from both laboratory and field data were used. The laboratory data included two experimental cases related to dune erosion from the SUPERTANK data collection project, whereas the field data consisted of two cases from Ocean City, Maryland and one case from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Overall, good agreement was obtained between calculations and measurements, illustrating that the model is reliable and robust in simulating beach and dune evolution. However, the poststorm beach recovery in the swash zone could not be well captured by this model. Thus, in subsequent model development, onshore transport and accretion in the nearshore will be emphasized to simulate long-term beach evolution.

Characteristics of Surface Currents in a Shallow Lagoon–Inlet–Coastal Ocean System Revealed by Surface Drifter Observations

The circulation in a shallow lagoon–inlet–coastal ocean system is significant to material transports (e.g., debris, pollutants, and larvae). To study surface flows in this system, we deployed 35 surface drifters at various tidal phases and wind conditions during 2017 and 2018 in the Maryland Coastal Bays system (MCBs). Given that winds and tides are two important drivers of estuarine and coastal circulation, their influences on surface drifter trajectories were analyzed. Observations indicate that surface drifters exit (enter) the lagoon mostly during ebb (flood) currents, and clockwise circular movements at a length scale of 1.5 km formed at the outer edge of Ocean City Inlet (OCI). Under weak wind conditions, tides are primarily responsible for drifter movements near OCI, whereas both the long-fetch winds and tides are important near the relatively larger Chincoteague Inlet and backbays. Under strong wind conditions, surface drifter movements generally follow wind directions. In the shallow lagoonal system, relative effects of winds on surface drifters gradually become stronger in the regions further away from the adjacent inlet as tides are weaker. Further investigations indicate that the fastest and slowest surface drifters are near the small OCI and backbays with the weakened tides, respectively. The direct surface drifter observations that cover a wide spatial range and long time series can provide strong support to surface current simulations. Enhanced understanding of coastal physical oceanography in the MCBs can be beneficial to similar systems and coastal ocean communities.

Stratification variability in a lagoon system in response to a passing storm

AbstractShallow lagoon systems with limited river flow and precipitation are often regarded as being well‐mixed; however, stratification can occasionally occur in shallow lagoons in response to intense river runoffs and precipitation. Understanding the stratification behaviors of a shallow lagoon system is critical for future environmental assessment and management strategies. Thus, in this study, stratification and mixing mechanisms in a shallow lagoon system (the Maryland Coastal Bays) were investigated on an episodic scale during Hurricane Sandy (2012) by using a numerical model. The strength of stratification (Brunt‐Väisälä frequency, N in s−1) in the lagoon system varied spatially; and was determined by river flow, precipitation, winds, and remote forcing. During the pre‐Sandy period (October 25–28, 2012), the bays were relatively mixed without sufficient river flow and precipitation. Driven by intense river flow from the northern creeks (peak: 82.47 m3 s−1), high precipitation (peak: 3.29 × 10−6 m s−1), and strong storm winds (mean: 12.15 m s−1) during the Sandy period (October 28–31, 2012), the water column in the northern creeks of the bays became stratified (mean N2: ~ 0.01 s−2). During the post‐Sandy period (October 31–November 3, 2012), the St. Martin River among the northern creeks showed strong stratification (mean N2: ~ 0.03 s−2) due to weaker winds (mean: 5.70 m s−1) and residual high river flow and precipitation from the Sandy period. The wind was found to be the most dominant source of mixing in the bays, while remote forcing and wind regulated the stratification near the Ocean City Inlet.

Proof-of-concept model for exploring the impacts of microplastics accumulation in the Maryland coastal bays ecosystem

With increased global production of plastics since the 1950s, marine environments have experienced an increase in plastic pollution. This pollution has the potential to contaminate marine organisms with microplastics, which, in turn, may have deleterious effects on humans that consume seafood. Plastic pollution is often presented as a global issue; however, its sources are often based on local actions and potential health effects occur at an individual level. Environmental management to control this problem also can occur on a local scale. To draw attention to the issue and demonstrate the need to take management actions to reduce plastic inflow, we have developed a proof-of-concept model that connects inflow of plastic in a small-scale marine environment to a contaminants-based food web model. We use Ecotracer in the Ecopath with Ecosim modeling suite to estimate current organism concentrations of microplastics and then use model outputs to calculate human health effects. The model is used to project future microplastic concentrations in marine organisms and human health effects under different environmental plastic inflow rate scenarios. The model is parameterized to simulate the Maryland Coastal Bays ecosystem, which is adjacent to Ocean City, Maryland (USA) a region dependent on the tourism and seafood industries. We consider this a proof-of-concept model, because data for the system are limited. This approach helps to illustrate local consequences of a global problem. In addition, it provides a summary of pertinent regional data on the issues and helps identify gaps for future monitoring and research.

Retraction Note: Research on soil structure analysis and VR game experience of Ocean city based on image resolution

After 1950, Casuarina equisetifolia was introduced into coastal areas as a windbreak forest and sand-fixing forest, adjusted the balance of the ecosystem, and played an irreplaceable role in resisting disasters and protecting coastal land. Casuarina equisetifolia is the main tree species in coastal protected forests in Fujian Province. However, due to long-term pure forest management and human intervention, the acidification of forest land is serious, soil nutrients are unbalanced, soil fertility is reduced, reforestation becomes difficult, and the stability and sustainable management of coastal windbreak forests are insufficient. Therefore, forestry in a certain region chose the contrast of bare sand and used it as the research object to study the physical and chemical properties of soil, and to study soil enzyme activity in pure casuarina forest, mixed forest of Casuarina equisetifolia and Ginger ginger, and natural secondary the vegetation restoration model in the three cases of forest. Investigate the soil microbial characteristics under different restoration modes, and the degraded sandy soil properties under different vegetation restoration modes. This research is based on the theoretical basis of restoring vegetation on the deteriorating sandy land along the southeast coast, and provides a theoretical basis for the construction of coastal protection belts for natural forests. In recent years, virtual reality (VR) technology has been applied in various fields, achieving large-scale commercialization. So far, the research of VR game user experience has mainly focused on usability, VR technology research, effect analysis, immersion and so on. Maintaining user mobility will help optimize user experience and improve VR game design.

A Study on the Cruise Industry Current Status and The Center of the Ocean City Activation Plan

본 연구는 국내·외 크루즈산업에 대한 심도 깊은 분석을 통해 국내 크루즈산업의 활성화 방안을 도출하였다. 이를 위해 해양수산부, 문화체육부, 한국관광공사, 각 지자체의 주요 계획, 실적, SWOT 분석 등을 종합적으로 기술하였다. 본 연구에서는 크루즈산업 활성화 측면에서 접근하여 전국의 지방 해양도시를 중심으로 4대 중점 추진 전략을 제시하였다. 4대 중점 추진 전략은 첫째, 외국 크루즈선 국내항만 기항 확대를 위해 해외 크루즈 선사 기항 유치 활동 강화, 관련 인프라 확충 등의 세부 추진 전략을 제시하였으며, 둘째, 국내 크루즈 관광 수요 확대를 위해 다양한 크루즈 마케팅 및 크루즈 관광 수요 창출 등을 제안하였다. 셋째, 국내 모항 크루즈 항로 다양화를 위하여 국내 항만 모항 크루즈 운항 확대, 환동해-환서해권 항로 다각화 방안의 필요성을 역설하였으며, 넷째, 크루즈 연관산업 활성화 지원과 관련하여 크루즈 전문인력양성 사업 강화, 선용품 수출 확대 및 연관 산업 지원 등이 필요하다는 결론을 도출하였다. 국내·외 크루즈산업은 2000년 이후 웰빙, 건강, 힐링 등 관광업계의 테마여행으로 선박을 탑승한 글로벌 투어리즘에 따른 이용자 증대로 COVID-19 이전까지 지속적 성장 추세를 보였으나, 펜데믹 상황 이후 현재는 마이너스 성장을 보이고 있다. 따라서, COVID-19 종식 전 크루즈산업에 대한 활성화 전략을 도출하고, 이를 활용한 정책의 준비가 필요하다. 이에, 본 연구를 통해 국내 크루즈산업의 회복 및 지속가능성, 포스트 코로나 시대의 해양 도시와 크루즈산업 등에 대한 정책적 제언을 하고자 한다.

Identifying and predicting occurrence and abundance of a vocal animal species based on individually specific calls

AbstractPassive acoustic monitoring (PAM) offers opportunities to collect data on the occurrence of vocal species for long periods of time, at multiple locations, and under a range of environmental conditions. Some species emit individually distinctive calls, including bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) that produce signature whistles. Our study used PAM to determine the seasonal occurrence of bottlenose dolphins and utilized individually specific signature whistles to (1) track individuals spatially and temporally, (2) assess site fidelity off Maryland (MD), USA, (3) estimate the minimum abundance of dolphins in the study area, and (4) develop a dynamic habitat‐based relative abundance model applicable as a real‐time dolphin relative abundance prediction tool. Acoustic recorders were deployed at two sites offshore of Ocean City, MD, and at one site in the upper Chesapeake Bay, MD. Acoustic recordings from 2016 to 2018 were analyzed for signature whistles, and re‐occurrences of individual whistles were identified using a combination of machine learning and manual verification. A habitat‐based density model was created using the number of signature whistles combined with environmental conditions. A total of 1518 unique signature whistles were identified offshore of Maryland and in the upper Chesapeake Bay. There were 184 re‐occurrences of 142 whistles, with a mean of 135 d between re‐occurrences (range = 1–681 d). These repeated detections of the same individuals occurred most frequently at the site near Ocean City, MD, indicating the highest site fidelity. Re‐occurrences were recorded among all three sites, indicating movement of dolphins between the Chesapeake Bay and off the Atlantic coast of Maryland. The weekly number of individual dolphins detected off the Atlantic coast was significantly related to two environmental variables: sea surface temperature and chlorophyll a concentration. This habitat model could be used to predict relative dolphin abundance offshore of Maryland and inform management within the region, including in relation to offshore wind energy development and other stakeholders.