Eastern Lower Chesapeake Bay (CB7PH)

In 2001, SAV area in segment CB7PH increased to 3,711.64 ha, 9% more than in 2000 (3,402.98 ha). This segment accounted for 41% of SAV in the Lower Bay Zone and 12% of the Bay total. The Tier I goal (4,888.75 ha) was not met for CB7PH, and has not been met by this segment since the inception of the aerial survey for the Lower Bay in 1971.

SAV increased in Island Bay and in the regions surrounding Savage, Russell, Big Marsh, and Tobacco islands (Map 108). In addition, SAV expanded in Pompco, Deep, and Chesconessex creeks (Maps 108, 109); in Back Creek (Map 114); in Onancock Creek and the area extending south to Matchotank Creek and in Matchotank Creek (Map 114); surrounding Finney Island and in Pungoteague Creek (Map 114); and in Butcher, Back, and Nandua creeks (Maps 113, 114).

Other notable SAV expansion occurred to the east of Hyslop Marsh (Map 119); in Back, Craddock, Tawes, and Occohannock creeks (Map 119); off Occohannock Neck (Maps 119, 124); in Nassawaddox Creek (Map 124); in the middle of the bed off Church Neck between Westerhouse Creek and Hungars Creek (Map 124); in The Gulf (Map 134); in the northern portion of the bed off Savage Neck and the upper portions of Cherrystone Inlet (Map 133); in Kings Creek (Map 133); and below Cape Charles Harbor (Map 133). In addition, new beds were mapped off the outlet of Pond Drain (Map 142).

SAV declines were noted in the southwest portion of the bed surrounding Big Marsh Island (Map 108); off the western tip of Tobacco Island (Map 108); in the mouth of Back Creek (Maps 108, 114); in portions of the bed to the west of Scarborough Island (Maps 113, 114); off Hacks Neck (Map 113); in portions of the beds below Sandy Point and off Powells Bluff (Map 119); at the mouth of Mattawoman Creek (Map 124); in portions of Cherrystone Inlet and at the mouth of Old Plantation Creek (Maps 133, 142); and off Fishermans Island (Map 186).