PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. — The Patuxent River creeks are in good shape so far, but researchers recommend continued monitoring of the waterways of Calvert County.
The monitoring program is conducted by the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science’s Chesapeake Biological Laboratory. Researchers measure dissolved oxygen, temperature, salinity, chlorophyll-a (a pigment found in algae), and Secchi depth (a measure of transparency). These indicators help researchers get a clear picture of the plant and animal life in the creeks to understand the health of the habitats.
The 2024 results showed the fourth-best year on record for oxygen levels in the creeks. Other data points measured about average compared to past years.
The program, which has been gathering data about the creeks since 2009, aims to ensure Calvert’s tidal creeks are ecologically healthy and will continue to support the land and economy of Calvert County.
Healthy tidal creeks and their wetlands are vital to water communities like Calvert. These creeks and their wetlands can filter pollutants, stave off rising water levels and serve as nurseries and breeding grounds for countless species that contribute to the fishing economy. Residents and tourists also turn to the tidal creeks for recreational use.
Researchers noted that the health of the tidal creeks is especially vulnerable to weather changes. In wet years, particularly during rainy summers, the tidal creeks tend to test worse across the categories measured.
“In the past few years we’ve been looking very healthy, given the variability in the weather that we see,” said Dr. Jeremy Testa, in response to a question posed by County Commissioner Catherine M. Grosso.
CBL is developing a new smaller-scale data model, which they believe will enable them to be more precise. They hope to use their Sea Grant Maryland funding to quantify their data and recommend restoration projects, since watershed restoration doesn’t have a “one-size-fits-all approach.” Data sharing between groups and agencies is a major part of the program, and trends have been clearly documented.
Board members expressed their enthusiasm for the project and encouraged CBL to keep working with local volunteer groups. They agreed to continue to contract with CBL, citing it as an essential tool to help prepare the county to tackle complex projects.
“Water is a part of our being in Calvert County. We have issues coming and we’re not going to ignore it,” said County Commissioner Earl F. Vance.
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