Tangier Sound (TANMH)

In 2001, SAV area in segment TANMH increased to 5,388.54 ha, 6% more than in 2000 (5,087.69 ha). This segment accounted for 31% of SAV in the Middle Bay Zone and 17% of the Bay total. This is the third year in a row that SAV has increased for this segment, following six years of decline that began in 1993. The Tier I goal (8,053.10 ha) was not met for TANMH, and has not been met for this segment since the inception of the aerial survey in 1978.

SAV increased in the region surrounding Bloodsworth Island (Map 083). New SAV beds were mapped in Tigs Cove, and in the area to the east of Tigs Cove (Map 083); in Great Cove (Map 083); and off Lower Island Point (Map 083). SAV also expanded in Okahanikan, Tigs, Piney Island, Northeast, Pone, and Great coves (Map 083); and off Cove Point (Map 083).

New SAV beds were also mapped off Holland, Spring, and South Marsh islands (Maps 083, 091). SAV expansion was also noted in the eastern portion of the large bed between Adam and Northeast islands, and off Holland Island (Maps 083, 091). New SAV beds were also mapped in Gunbarrel Cove off South Marsh Island, and SAV expanded in Pungers Cove and Pungers Creek (Map 091); in Johnson and Pry coves (Map 091); in Sheepshead Harbor (Map 091); and in Muscle Hole (Map 091). One new SAV bed was observed off the eastern shore of Little Deal Island, and SAV also expanded in Hazard Cove and off Janes Island (Maps 084, 092).

SAV also expanded around Smith Island (Maps 091, 092, 099, 100). SAV increased in the northern portion of Smith Island in Fog Point Cove and at the mouth of Back Cove (Maps 091, 092). SAV also increased in the Big Thorofare, in Knot and Swaney coves (Map 091). Additional expansion in Smith Island also occurred in Shanks Creek, in portions of Tyler Creek (Map 099), and to the east of Cheeseman Island (Map 099).

On the Eastern Shore, one new bed was mapped southeast of Great Fox Island (Map 100). In addition, SAV expansion was noted off the northern, eastern, and southern shores of Cedar Island (Maps 100, 101) and in Back, Daugherty, and The Prong creeks (Map 101). In addition, SAV expansion was noted off Watts Island (Map 107).

In TANMH, SAV declines were observed in Okhanikan and Pone coves off Bloodsworth Island (Map 083); in the eastern portion of the large bed between Adam and Northeast islands (Map 083); in Johnson and Pry coves (Map 091); and in the mouth of Sheepshead Harbor off South Marsh Island (Map 091). SAV also declined off Smith Island in Bridge Creek and the area surrounding Swan Island (Map 091); off Pin Point and in Back and Terrapin Sand coves (Map 092); off Drum Point and in Twitch Cove (Map 100). On the Eastern Shore, SAV decreased in Old House Cove, Cedar Creek, and off Great Point (Maps 100, 101); and off the western portion of Cedar and Great Fox islands (Map 100). SAV declines were also noted in the bed extending south from South Point Marsh on Smith Island (Map 099); off Goose Island (Maps 179, 107); and off the eastern shore of Tangier Island (Map 107).