Middle Potomac River (POTOH)

In 2002, 904.49 ha was mapped for POTOH. This segment accounted for 4.2% of the SAV in the Middle Bay Zone. The 2010 restoration goal (1,506.38 ha) was not met for POTOH.

Due to flight restrictions following the events of September 11, only a small portion (6%) of the area mapped in 2002 for POTOH was mapped in 2001. When comparing the same regions for both years, SAV decreased 87%, from 447.46 ha reported in 2001 to 57.45 ha reported in 2002.

In 2001, no photography was available for the north shore above Wades Point (Map 055); in Nanjemoy Creek above Benny Gray Point (Map 057); and from Upper Cedar Point to above Goose Creek in the Port Tobacco River (Map 057).

When comparing the regions mapped between 2002 and 2001, SAV decreased on the southern shore of the Potomac River, from Brent Marsh to Brent Point (Map 055); in Aquia, Potomac, and Choptank creeks (Maps 055, 064, 066); and on the western shore of Port Tobacco River (Maps 161, 057). On the northern shore of the Potomac River, SAV decreased off Maryland Point and north of Maryland Point (Maps 065, 056) and on the eastern shore of Port Tobacco River (Maps 057).

SAV also decreased 43% in 2002 from the 2000 levels, from 1,582.37 ha reported in 2000, the last time this segment was fully mapped, to 909.49 ha reported in 2002. On the southern shore of the Potomac River, SAV decreased around Chopawamsic Island (Map 047); from Chopawamsic Island south to Brent Marsh (Maps 047, 055); and off Mathias Point (Map 057). On the northern shore of the Potomac River, SAV decreased off Goose Bay (Map 047); in Mallows Bay (Map 055); in Wades Bay (Map 055); on both shores of Nanjemoy Creek (Maps 056, 057); in Wards Run and Burgess Creek (Maps 056, 057); and on both shores of Port Tobacco River (Map 057). SAV increases were noted at the head of Chopawasmic Creek (Map 047); in portions of Aquia Creek and north of Simms Point (Map 055); and in portions of Nanjemoy Creek (Map 056).