Lower Central Chesapeake Bay (CB5MH)

In 2001, SAV area in segment CB5MH increased to 1,816.60 ha, 42% more than in 2000 (1,282.92 ha), and continuing a three-year recovery in CB5MH. This segment accounted for 10% of the SAV in the Middle Bay Zone and 5.8% of the Bay total. The Tier I goal (1,933.24 ha) was not met for CB5MH and has not been met for this segment since the inception of the aerial survey in 1978.

SAV increased on the eastern shore with the expansion of beds in Tar Bay south of Charity Point, with new SAV beds mapped at Pons Point (Maps 072, 073). SAV expansion was also noted in Cow and Thorofare coves (Map 082), including one new SAV bed between Fishing Point and Nancy Point (Map 082).

On the western shore, new beds were mapped in the Great Wicomico River at the mouth of Cockrell Creek and in Cockrell Creek (Map 106); in the cove above Haynie Point (Map 106); at the mouth of Warehouse Creek (Map 106); off Sandy Point and in Cranes and Harveys creeks (Map 106); and below Russell Point (Map 106). In addition, new beds were mapped in Prentis, Jarvis, and Barnes creeks, and at the mouth of Antipoision Creek (Map 112). Additional SAV expansion on the western shore was noted off Fleet Point (Map 106); surrounding Dameron Marsh (Map 106); and at the mouths of Cloverdale and Ball creeks (Map 106). SAV also expanded in Dividing, Jarvis, and Indian creeks (Map 112). In Fleets Bay expansion was noted at the mouth of Dymer and Tabbs creeks (Map 112).

Slight SAV declines were noted on the eastern shore at the mouth of Big Broads (Map 072); in Whitewood Cove (Maps 072, 073); and in Thorofare Cove (Map 082).

On the western shore, SAV decreased slightly in portions of Prentis Creek (Map 112); in Indian Creek and in the upper portion of Dymer Creek (Map 112); at the mouth of Tabbs Creek (Map 112); and in the upper portion of Antipoison Creek and off North Point (Map 112).