SAV Survey Data User Questionnaire Response Summary

1. SAV Survey Data User Questionnaire Response Summary Presentation byJ. Brooke LandryArtwork by Kent Mountford March 29, 2017Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s Philip Merrill Environmental Center

2. 85 RESPONSES!!!!! Thank you all so much for your responses to the SAV Survey Data User Questionnaire. This data will be used to make decisions moving forward with the SAV Survey.

3. Md DNR-VMRC-CBF-Riverkeepers-Watershed Groups-AACC-DOEE-NPS-NOAA-SERC-USGS-Maryland Public Schools-ODU-USACE-MDE-SESYNC-UMD-UMCES-Va DEQ-Environmental Historians and Journalists-DoD-Environmental Consulting Firms-Marine Construction Companies-US Navy-USFWS-Texas A&M-VIMS-APG-CBP-MAFMC-EPA

4. Tremendous variety of agencies and organizations use this data! Md DNR-VMRC-CBF-Riverkeepers-Watershed Groups-AACC-DOEE-NPS-NOAA-SERC-USGS-Maryland Public Schools-ODU-USACE-MDE-SESYNC-UMD-UMCES-Va DEQ-Environmental Historians and Journalists-DoD-Environmental Consulting Firms-Marine Construction Companies-US Navy-USFWS-Texas A&M-VIMS-APG-CBP-MAFMC-EPA

5. SAV Coverage Data SAV Coverage Data SAV Density Data SAV Density Data SAV Species Data SAV Bed Acreage Data Other The SAV coverage data is the most important product of the SAV Survey, but density classification and species data collected by ground-truthing efforts are also important. SAV bed acreage data is equally significant.

6. Interactive map on VIMS website Printable quad maps GIS data/shapefiles Summary data The Interactive maps on the VIMS website are the most frequently used data format, followed by GIS data/shapefiles and the summary data (total acres, acres in each bay segment, etc.)

7. Most respondents use the data annually, but a large proportion use the data monthly and even weekly.

8. That’s a lot of traffic…..

9. Permitting Regulation Public reporting WQ standards assessment Other A lot of “other” is for academic purposes, research, and restoration

10. Much of the data use is legally required… Permitting Regulation Public reporting WQ standards assessment Other A lot of “other” is for academic purposes, research, and restoration

11. INRMP(Integrated Natural Resource Management Plans – assist in efforts to conserve and rehab natural resources) • Waterway construction permit applications • Providing technical assistance and superior customer service to waterfront homeowners • Education and Outreach • Advocacy • Research • Permitting reviews/project approval • Regulations • Tracking Bay restoration • Restoration activities on military installations • Environmental compliance • Aquaculture lease reviews • Dredge permitting • Water quality standards assessment • NEPA compliance(National Environmental Policy Act – requires federal agencies to assess environmental effects of proposed actions prior to making decisions) • Habitat and Water Quality Modeling • Designation of EFH(Essential Fish Habitat) • SAV Press Release • Marine construction compliance and feasibility • Mitigation justification

12. INRMP(Integrated Natural Resource Management Plans – assist in efforts to conserve and rehab natural resources) • Waterway construction permit applications • Providing technical assistance and superior customer service to waterfront homeowners • Education and Outreach • Advocacy • Research • Permitting reviews/project approval • Regulations • Tracking Bay restoration • Restoration activities on military installations • Environmental compliance • Aquaculture lease reviews • Dredge permitting • Ecosystem service assessment • Water quality standards assessment • NEPA compliance(National Environmental Policy Act – requires federal agencies to assess environmental effects of proposed actions prior to making decisions) • Habitat and Water Quality Modeling • Designation of EFH(Essential Fish Habitat) • SAV Press Release • Marine construction compliance and feasibility • Mitigation justification “SAV is a very charismatic water quality variable to show the public since it’s about pretty aquatic plants that help fish, compared to other variables like oxygen and stormwater.”

13. INRMP(Integrated Natural Resource Management Plans – assist in efforts to conserve and rehab natural resources) • Waterway construction permit applications • Providing technical assistance and superior customer service to waterfront homeowners • Education and Outreach • Advocacy • Research • Permitting reviews/project approval • Regulations • Tracking Bay restoration • Restoration activities on military installations • Environmental compliance • Aquaculture lease reviews • Dredge permitting • Ecosystem service assessment • Water quality standards assessment • NEPA compliance(National Environmental Policy Act – requires federal agencies to assess environmental effects of proposed actions prior to making decisions) • Habitat and Water Quality Modeling • Designation of EFH(Essential Fish Habitat) • SAV Press Release • Marine construction compliance and feasibility • Mitigation justification A+ “SAV is a very charismatic water quality variable to show the public since it’s about pretty aquatic plants that help fish, compared to other variables like oxygen and stormwater.”

14. INRMP(Integrated Natural Resource Management Plans – assist in efforts to conserve and rehab natural resources) • Waterway construction permit applications • Providing technical assistance and superior customer service to waterfront homeowners “SAV is a very charismatic water quality variable to show the public since it’s about pretty aquatic plants that help fish, compared to other variables like oxygen and stormwater.” • Education and Outreach • Advocacy • Research • Permitting reviews/project approval • Regulations • Tracking Bay restoration • Restoration activities on military installations • Environmental compliance • Aquaculture lease reviews • Dredge permitting • Ecosystem service assessment • Water quality standards assessment • NEPA compliance(National Environmental Policy Act – requires federal agencies to assess environmental effects of proposed actions prior to making decisions) • Habitat and Water Quality Modeling • Designation of EFH(Essential Fish Habitat) • SAV Press Release • Marine construction compliance and feasibility • Mitigation justification “The SAV Press release sparks interest among the Bay watershed’s residents that leads to environmental stewardship and environmentally responsible behaviors that are invaluable to the well-being of the Bay’s ecosystems.”

15. INRMP(Integrated Natural Resource Management Plans – assist in efforts to conserve and rehab natural resources) • Waterway construction permit applications • Providing technical assistance and superior customer service to waterfront homeowners “SAV is a very charismatic water quality variable to show the public since it’s about pretty aquatic plants that help fish, compared to other variables like oxygen and stormwater.” • Education and Outreach • Advocacy • Research • Permitting reviews/project approval • Regulations • Tracking Bay restoration • Restoration activities on military installations • Environmental compliance • Aquaculture lease reviews • Dredge permitting • Ecosystem service assessment • Water quality standards assessment • NEPA compliance(National Environmental Policy Act – requires federal agencies to assess environmental effects of proposed actions prior to making decisions) • Habitat and Water Quality Modeling • Designation of EFH(Essential Fish Habitat) • SAV Press Release • Marine construction compliance and feasibility • Mitigation justification The SAV Press release sparks interest among the Bay watershed’s residents that leads to environmental stewardship and environmentally responsible behaviors that are invaluable to the well-being of the Bay’s ecosystems. Indication of restoration and improving Bay health is a source of pride to Bay residents.

16. The vast majority of respondents need annual data…..

17. The vast majority of you would be impacted if the SAV data becomes unavailable..

18. Maryland State Law requires that we screen shellfish lease applications for previous 5 years of SAV data. It’s a legal requirement of our leasing and permitting process. Maryland DNR would be unable to meet its statutory requirements to screen lease applications against annual SAV data. Assessment of individual year's water quality criteria could not be conducted. Established, codified methods have been developed by state and federal partners, so either the assessments could not be performed or a long process of redeveloping methodologies and realigning monitoring would have to be performed. Would have to develop an alternate means of complying with state law. We provide technical assistance to waterfront property owners on a regular bases. Now when we get a call from a concerned waterfront property owner, we are able to do quick turnaround after doing our research and schedule a site visit at the earliest possible time. If the data frequency is reduced or if the data analysis becomes ad-hoc, it can profoundly affect our customer service, which we pride ourselves on. We would be reduced to guessing how SAV are fluctuating in study areas. We wouldn't be able to update the no clamming zones. Lower sampling frequency would reduce the information available on how SAV responds to interannual variations in stressors and other environmental factors

19. Permit reviews and project screening is based on most recent 3 or 5 year annual survey data. A few regulations specifically mention that the data is from VIMS aerial survey We would still provide recommendations, but they would be based on a culmination of data (e.g., over 5 years) and would lack the most recent knowledge of SAV presence/density. Our seventh grade unit of study has been built over 20 years in cooperation with VIMS and the USFWS. Our students and teachers use the data and contribute groundtruthing data as a central component of the unit. – THINK OF THE CHILDREN!! Out of date or inconsistently collected SAV data will negatively impact efficient permit review by state and federal agencies possibly leading to underestimation of impacts and inadequate mitigation. Lower sampling frequency would reduce the information available on how SAV responds to inter-annual variations in stressors and other environmental factors We'd lose a valuable educational tool that helps rally support for improving fishing and swimming conditions in our watershed. Lack of these data will affect our ability to test models we are developing, and this will affect future funding/projects for faculty and students, as well as product development efforts for state & federal agencies. We would not be able to complete our biennial assessment for sediment impairment to the Chesapeake Bay and its tidal tributaries. Our environmental center focuses on monitoring environmental quality. Not having the SAV data would be a major gap in the information available for the center's purpose.

20. Permit and shellfish leasing decisions would be delayed, and the lack of annual data could impact ability to defend permit, leasing and regulatory decisions. Without annual data we lose the ability to understand dispersal and to link SAV response with environmental conditions. The annual monitoring data in the Chesapeake are one of the premier long-term datasets on the world. It would be a travesty to lose this resource. It would make it harder for personnel and take more time to review permits whose projects may affect SAV resources Would not have the data necessary to provide technical public comment on permits. Would not be able to adequately assess water quality and watershed health. We could not report annually to the public on one of the most understandable and most ecologically significant Bay living resources. We could not support the legal responsibility of the state and District partners to assess attainment of their Chesapeake Bay water quality standards biennially but based on the most recent 3 years worth of data. Etc., etc…… Essentially there would be impacts to statutory requirements, the ability to conduct scientific research, the ability to assess water quality and Bay restoration, education and outreach. I think the biggest issue here is that the SAV data is legally required for a variety of permitting and regulatory purposes, so if/when the survey design changes, laws will have to be modified.

21. This was mildly surprising considering the previous responses.

22. You mostly said no, but of the 35% of you that would have to collect your own data, it’s not a feasible option within your organization.

23. And there are the risks to consider…. You mostly said no, but of the 35% of you that would have to collect your own data, it’s not a feasible option within your organization.

24. You mostly said no, but of the 35% of you that would have to collect your own data, it’s not a feasible option within your organization.

25. There’s probably some bias here because I know more people in Maryland to harass for responses than I do in Virginia, but still…… Also interesting is the large percent of specific tributary data required – this is important in considering alternative designs.

28. Thank you to those that do provide ground-truthing data!!! We’re going to need more of you to contribute in the future though…..

29. While the majority of respondents said Never, many said Occasionally. I’d like to take this opportunity, therefore, to thank Dave and JJ, on everyone’s behalf, for being so responsive to our requests!!

31. The general consensus is that the SAV Survey data is VERY IMPORTANT to your organization!

32. Likewise, the general consensus is that the SAV Survey data is VERY IMPORTANT to Chesapeake Bay conservation and restoration in general!

34. We’ll remind you of this later…

35. And this…..

36. 76% of the 83 respondents said yes…..that’s 63, which is almost exactly how many people RSVP’d. I’ll do a head count later. (Thank you for taking time out of your busy and over-loaded schedules to come today and participate in this workshop!)

37. This element of bay-wide information is one of the cardinal data sets determined as necessary from the earliest stages of monitoring and analysis . Disrupting it would be an intentional, shameful political expedient and an admission of failure in stewardship of Chesapeake Bay Keep up the good work! The surveys are an incredible program that have yield important information about the state of the Bay. Now that the TMDL program is underway and we're in an era of rapid change it is more important than ever to keep the program running. Bob Orth is a dependable and courteous representative at VIMS. This element of bay-wide information is one of the cardinal data sets determined as necessary from the earliest stages of monitoring and analysis . Disrupting it would be an intentional, shameful political expedient and an admission of failure in stewardship of Chesapeake Bay. The SAV program is an ESSENTIAL monitoring component. Must be retained. We really should be talking about EXPANDING this program rather than even thinking about reductions...that is crazy. We are seeing some signs of Bay restoration. This is no time to think reduction in one of the very important tools we have for assessing Bay condition. I would not have the capacity to collect these data on my own, nor do I have the financial capacity to hire someone to collect such data. From a researcher's perspective, the SAV survey data has allowed for many important research questions to be explored and answered. Many of these findings have informed Chesapeake Bay management strategies. Our understanding of SAV ecology is, however, still incomplete and continued aerial surveys will be critical for addressing future research questions, particularly as efforts to reduce nutrient loading continue and unknowns related to increasing sediment loads associated with Conowingo remain.

38. Take home points from survey responses: • There is a tremendous variety of SAV data users out there.

39. Take home points from survey responses: • There is a tremendous variety of SAV data users out there. • The SAV coverage data is the most used.

40. Take home points from survey responses: • There is a tremendous variety of SAV data users out there. • The SAV coverage data is the most used. • Most respondents use the data annually, but many use it weekly and monthly.

41. Take home points from survey responses: • There is a tremendous variety of SAV data users out there. • The SAV coverage data is the most used. • Most respondents use the data annually, but many use it weekly and monthly. • The VIMS website is widely trafficked.

42. Take home points from survey responses: • There is a tremendous variety of SAV data users out there. • The SAV coverage data is the most used. • Most respondents use the data annually, but many use it weekly and monthly. • The VIMS website is widely trafficked. • Much of the data use is legally required.

43. Take home points from survey responses: • There is a tremendous variety of SAV data users out there. • The SAV coverage data is the most used. • Most respondents use the data annually, but many use it weekly and monthly. • The VIMS website is widely trafficked. • Much of the data use is legally required. • Indication of restoration and improving Bay health is a source of pride to Bay residents.

44. Take home points from survey responses: • There is a tremendous variety of SAV data users out there. • The SAV coverage data is the most used. • Most respondents use the data annually, but many use it weekly and monthly. • The VIMS website is widely trafficked. • Much of the data use is legally required. • Indication of restoration and improving Bay health is a source of pride to Bay residents. • Most respondents need annual SAV data and would be impacted without it.

45. Take home points from survey responses: • There is a tremendous variety of SAV data users out there. • The SAV coverage data is the most used. • Most respondents use the data annually, but many use it weekly and monthly. • The VIMS website is widely trafficked. • Much of the data use is legally required. • Indication of restoration and improving Bay health is a source of pride to Bay residents. • Most respondents need annual SAV data and would be impacted without it. • There would be impacts to statutory requirements, the ability to conduct scientific research, the ability to assess water quality and Bay restoration, education and outreach.

46. Take home points from survey responses: • There is a tremendous variety of SAV data users out there. • The SAV coverage data is the most used. • Most respondents use the data annually, but many use it weekly and monthly. • The VIMS website is widely trafficked. • Much of the data use is legally required. • Indication of restoration and improving Bay health is a source of pride to Bay residents. • Most respondents need annual SAV data and would be impacted without it. • There would be impacts to statutory requirements, the ability to conduct scientific research, the ability to assess water quality and Bay restoration, education and outreach. • SAV is in fact charismatic megaflora.

47. Take home points from survey responses: • There is a tremendous variety of SAV data users out there. • The SAV coverage data is the most used. • Most respondents use the data annually, but many use it weekly and monthly. • The VIMS website is widely trafficked. • Much of the data use is legally required. • Indication of restoration and improving Bay health is a source of pride to Bay residents. • Most respondents need annual SAV data and would be impacted without it. • There would be impacts to statutory requirements, the ability to conduct scientific research, the ability to assess water quality and Bay restoration, education and outreach. • SAV is in fact charismatic megaflora. • Most respondents would NOT have to collect their own data, and it isn’t logistically or financially feasible to do so anyway.

48. Take home points from survey responses: • There is a tremendous variety of SAV data users out there. • The SAV coverage data is the most used. • Most respondents use the data annually, but many use it weekly and monthly. • The VIMS website is widely trafficked. • Much of the data use is legally required. • Indication of restoration and improving Bay health is a source of pride to Bay residents. • Most respondents need annual SAV data and would be impacted without it. • There would be impacts to statutory requirements, the ability to conduct scientific research, the ability to assess water quality and Bay restoration, education and outreach. • SAV is in fact charismatic megaflora. • Most respondents would NOT have to collect their own data, and it isn’t logistically or financially feasible to do so anyway. • Specific tributary data and coverage appears to be just as important as bay-wide acreage numbers.

49. Take home points from survey responses: • There is a tremendous variety of SAV data users out there. • The SAV coverage data is the most used. • Most respondents use the data annually, but many use it weekly and monthly. • The VIMS website is widely trafficked. • Much of the data use is legally required. • Indication of restoration and improving Bay health is a source of pride to Bay residents. • Most respondents need annual SAV data and would be impacted without it. • There would be impacts to statutory requirements, the ability to conduct scientific research, the ability to assess water quality and Bay restoration, education and outreach. • SAV is in fact charismatic megaflora. • Most respondents would NOT have to collect their own data, and it isn’t logistically or financially feasible to do so anyway. • Specific tributary data and coverage appears to be just as important as bay-wide acreage numbers. • More of you need to contribute to the ground-truthing effort.

50. Take home points from survey responses: • There is a tremendous variety of SAV data users out there. • The SAV coverage data is the most used. • Most respondents use the data annually, but many use it weekly and monthly. • The VIMS website is widely trafficked. • Much of the data use is legally required. • Indication of restoration and improving Bay health is a source of pride to Bay residents. • Most respondents need annual SAV data and would be impacted without it. • There would be impacts to statutory requirements, the ability to conduct scientific research, the ability to assess water quality and Bay restoration, education and outreach. • SAV is in fact charismatic megaflora. • Most respondents would NOT have to collect their own data, and it isn’t logistically or financially feasible to do so anyway. • Specific tributary data and coverage appears to be just as important as bay-wide acreage numbers. • More of you need to contribute to the ground-truthing effort. • The SAV survey data is VERY IMPORTANT to your organization and Bay restoration and conservation in general.