Scientific and Technical Advisory Committee

The Scientific and Technical Advisory Committee represents the region's scientific community to the Chesapeake Bay Program.

Meetings

‍View all meetings‍ View group calendar

About

The Scientific and Technical Advisory Committee works to provide scientific and technical guidance on the Chesapeake Bay Program's efforts to restore and protect the Chesapeake Bay.

The Scientific and Technical Advisory Committee (STAC) provides scientific and technical guidance to the Chesapeake Bay Program on measures to restore and protect the Chesapeake Bay. Since its creation in December 1984, the Chesapeake Bay Program’s (CBP) Scientific and Technical Advisory Committee (STAC) has worked to enhance scientific communication and outreach throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed and beyond. STAC provides independent scientific and technical advice in various ways, including (1) technical reports and position papers, (2) discussion groups, (3) assistance in organizing merit reviews of CBP programs and projects, (4) technical workshops, and (5) interaction between STAC members and the CBP. STAC serves as a liaison between the region's scientific community and the CBP. Through professional and academic contacts and organizational networks of its members, STAC ensures close cooperation among and between the various research institutions and management agencies represented in the Bay watershed.

Publications

Advancing Monitoring Approaches to Enhance Tidal Chesapeake Bay Habitat Assessment for Submerged Aquatic Vegetation, Water Clarity, Chlorophyll a and Dissolved Oxygen

Publication date:

STAC Workshop Report

The STAC Workshop, "Advancing Monitoring Approaches to Enhance Tidal Chesapeake Bay Habitat Assessment," focused on gaps and cost challenges limiting habitat assessments as outlined by the water quality standards under the TMDL for water clarity and SAV (December 2021), water clarity and Chlorophyll a (April 2022), and water clarity and dissolved oxygen (May 2022) 

View document [PDF, 4.6 MB] Advancing Monitoring Approaches to Enhance Tidal Chesapeake Bay Habitat Assessment for Submerged Aquatic Vegetation, Water Clarity, Chlorophyll a and Dissolved Oxygen

Blueprint for Building Partnerships and Recommendations for Scaling Brook Trout Restoration in Stronghold and Persistent Patches

Publication date:

STAC Workshop Report

The STAC Workshop, "Blueprint for Building Partnerships and Recommendations for Scaling Brook Trout Restoration in Stronghold and Persistent Patches," convened May 2025 and June 2025 to strategize implementation of priority best management practices to successfully recolonize, recover or repatriate brook trout populations.

View document [PDF, 4.2 MB] Blueprint for Building Partnerships and Recommendations for Scaling Brook Trout Restoration in Stronghold and Persistent Patches

Striped Bass Survey Assessment and Habitat Connections

Publication date:

The STAC Workshop, "Striped Bass Survey Assessment and Habitat Connections," convened February 2025 to investigate the environmental and ecological factors contributing to the low recruitment of striped bass. The workshop aimed to review current survey approaches and identify priority science needs, supporting the management of this marquee sportfish, which is vital to both the recreational fishing industry and commercial harvest along the Atlantic Coast. The workshop focused on exploring research needs, sharing insights and fostering collaboration among participants to support effective management strategies.

View document [PDF, 1.3 MB] Striped Bass Survey Assessment and Habitat Connections

Leveraging Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning to Advance Chesapeake Bay Research and Management: A Review of Status, Challenges, and Opportunities

Publication date:

STAC Workshop Report

The STAC Workshop, "Leveraging Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning to Advance Chesapeake Bay Research and Management: A Review of Status, Challenges, and Opportunities," convened February 2025 to delve into the opportunities artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) offer for analyzing large-scale environmental data, identifying research needs, and improving coordination within the Chesapeake Bay Program partnership. The aim of this collaborative workshop was to enhance data-driven approaches to support Chesapeake Bay restoration goals, ensuring more effective and informed management practices.

View document [PDF, 5.9 MB] Leveraging Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning to Advance Chesapeake Bay Research and Management: A Review of Status, Challenges, and Opportunities

A Path Forward in Considering Future Environmental Scenarios in Chesapeake Bay Restoration Efforts

Publication date:

STAC Workshop Report

The STAC Workshop, "CBP Climate Change Modeling III: Post-2025 decisions," convened May 2024 to refine and expand existing climate modeling efforts for the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem. This workshop, the third in a series over the past eight years, aimed to advance modeling frameworks to better assess climate change impacts, in preparation for the reconsideration of the Chesapeake Bay Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) Planning Targets in 2027

View document [PDF, 904.0 KB] A Path Forward in Considering Future Environmental Scenarios in Chesapeake Bay Restoration Efforts

Related Resources

  • STAC Website

    Visit the STAC Website for all STAC activities, resources and publications.

Our Members