Mobjack Bay (MOBPH)

In 2001, SAV area in segment MOBPH increased to 3,849.57 ha, 4% more than in 2000 (3,693.51 ha). This segment accounted for 42% of SAV in the Lower Bay Zone and 12% of the Bay total. The Tier I goal (5,561.72 ha) was not met for MOBPH, and has not been met by this segment since the inception of the aerial survey for the Lower Bay in 1971.

SAV expanded in Mobjack Bay off New Point Comfort (Map 132); and in Harper and Pepper creeks (Map 132). SAV also expanded on both shores of the North River above Horse Point (Map 122). In the Ware River, SAV expanded to the east of Jarvis Point on the north shore, and from Windmill Point to Four Point Marsh and in Caucus Bay (Maps 122, 131). SAV also expanded off the southeast corner of Guinea Marsh and in the deeper portions of Goodwin Island (Maps 131, 132, 140); from Bay Tree Point to York Point (Map 140). One new SAV bed was mapped south of Hodges Creek in the Poquoson River and SAV expanded at the mouth of Cabin and Hodges creeks (Map 140).

SAV also increased on Drum Island Flats and off Plumtree Point (Map 141). In the Back River, SAV expanded from Front Cove to Tin Shell Point (Map 147); in the mouth of Harris River (Map 147); and in Grunland Creek (Map 147).

SAV decreased in the Ware River at Jarvis Point (Map 122); in Monday Creek (Map 131); in the shallower portions and eastern tip of the bed off Guinea Marshes (Maps 131, 132); in the shallower portions of the bed around Goodwin Islands (Map 140); and off Bay Tree and York points (Map 140). In addition, SAV receded in Lloyd Bay (Map 141); and at the mouth of Wallace Creek in the Back River (Map 147). The large bed on the Poquoson Flats (Map 141), diminished in 2001 by 56%.