Scientific and Technical Advisory Committee 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)
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.
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.
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
Understanding Genetics for Successful Conservation and Restoration of Resilient Chesapeake Bay Brook Trout Populations
Publication date:STAC Workshop Report
The STAC Workshop, "Understanding Genetics for Successful Conservation and Restoration of Resilient Chesapeake Bay Brook Trout Populations," convened September 2021 to bring together experts in the field of fish and Brook Trout genetics with fishery managers and practitioners to share general knowledge of fish genetics and recent scientific advances. The main objectives were to: 1. communicate the importance of genetic information for Brook Trout management and review key conservation genetics concepts, and 2. explore available genetics datasets and explain how they can be used to support management.
Nutrient Reductions as Co-Benefit of Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) Treatment: Quantifying Nutrient Load Reductions for Restored Stream Segments in AMD-impacted Watersheds
Publication date:STAC Technical Review Report
The State of the Science and Practice of Stream Restoration in the Chesapeake: Lessons Learned to Inform Better Implementation, Assessment, and Outcomes
Publication date:This report summarizes the proceedings of a workshop that reviewed and distilled lessons learned from past stream corridor restoration projects to improve future restoration outcomes.
Using Carbon to Achieve Chesapeake Bay (and Watershed) Water Quality Goals and Climate Resiliency: The Science, Gaps, Implementation Activities and Opportunities
Publication date:This report summarizes the proceedings of a workshop to evaluate and translate biochar research for integration into Chesapeake Bay protocols.
Achieving Water Quality Goals in the Chesapeake Bay: A Comprehensive Evaluation of System Response (CESR)
Publication date:This report evaluates why progress toward the Chesapeake Bay Total Maximum Daily Load and water quality standards has been slower than expected and offers options for how progress can be accelerated.