Chincoteague Bay (CHNPH)

In 2001, SAV area in segment CHNPH increased to 6,794.47 ha, 16% more than in 2000 (5,854.73 ha), continuing a six-year increasing trend after a decrease in 2000. The Chincoteague Bay Segment accounted for 87% of the SAV in the Delmarva Peninsula Coastal Bays Zone. The Tier I goal has not been established for CHNPH.

SAV increased on the eastern shore of Chincoteague Bay from Spence Cove to South Point (Map 170). SAV expanded deeper across from South Point to above Sugar Point in the large bed on the western shore of Assateague Island (Map 170). In addition, sparse SAV filled in a large area southest of Tingles Island (Map 170). SAV also increased west of Whittington Point (Map 173); in Green Run, West, and Calfpen bays (Maps 172, 173); at the mouth of Assateague Bay (Map 175); and in the far west of the bed around Coards Marshes (Map 174, 175).

On the western shore of Chincoteague Bay, SAV increased off Wire Narrows Marsh and in Horntown Bay (Map 174); at the mouth of Powell Creek (Maps 171, 174); in Parker Bay; (Map 172); off the northern shore of Mills Island (Map 172); and in Rowley Cove (Map 172). In addition, new SAV beds were mapped off Big Bay Marsh (Map 172); and off Public Landing (Map 169).