Chesapeake Bay Plume Studies (Superflux) Relative to the Biology of the Contiguous Shelf, Fishery Research and Monitoring

A study was initiated in 1980 to study the influence of the Chesapeake Bay plume on the contiguous shelf using both in situ and remote sensing techniques. The combined use of in situ and remotely sensed data has enabled us to define the area of the continental shelf that is influenced by the Chesapeake Bay plume. Waters emanating from the Bay contained biostimulants, contaminants and other materials as well as increased biomass and biological activity, and a different assemblage of phytoplankton. Remote sensing added to our ability to understand the complex and dynamic plume and adjacent shelf area by 1) providing synoptic and detailed information for the surface field in which in situ measurements were made and, 2) directing surface ships to key areas to maximize their sampling ability. Surface ships provided information concerning 1) the vertical structure of the water column and 2) variables not directly relatable to those measured by remote sensors.