Published:
August 1, 1995
Originator:
Chesapeake Bay Program
EPA Number:
EPA 903-R-95-013

The underwater vascular plants that make up the submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) community in Chesapeake Bay are widely regarded as jeystone species and primary indicators of water quality conditions in the Bay. Although SAV communities currently have some protection from dredging and construction activites in most areas of the Bay and its tidal tributaries, the proection of existing SAV beds and portential SAV habitats from adverse impacts should be evaluated in all cases. State and federal agencies with resource management responsibilities for shallow water habitats within Chesapeake Bay and its tidal tributaries should consider the following protective measures in the document for their decision making processes.

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