The Chesapeake Bay is the most valuable estuary on the eastern seaboard of the United States. Our location at the mouth of the Bay and between the James and Elizabeth Rivers, its tributaries, makes the Chesapeake a perfect outdoor laboratory for us. Water quality of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries is an important local environmental problem. Our local water quality problems stem from sediment pollution, which is largely the result of run-off, and over-nutrification resulting from fertilizers and animal waste. The Chesapeake Bay Savers' active participation in environmental investigation and restoration is critical. The initial activities involve student collection and analysis of water quality data and surveys of the watershed. Students investigate what can be and what is being done to improve water quality and determine where they fit in.
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Oysters are a natural filter and the reduction of native oysters to 4% of historic populations has caused an increase of sediment, nitrates, and algae in the water column. Working with Oyster Reef Keepers of Virginia, students receive 2000 juvenile oysters to place in a Taylor Float. Here they are protected from blue crab predators and float at the top of the creek where phytoplankton, their food source, is most abundant. Students collect water quality and oyster growth data throughout the year. In June the oysters are placed on a sanctuary reef to breed and further increase the oyster numbers. |
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The roots of Spartina, a wetlands plant, slow run off and absorb nutrients. Many local shores have been compromised by human activity and wetland destruction. Working with environmentalists from the Elizabeth River Project, students cultivate plants in the classroom and then plant them along the Elizabeth River shores to reclaim valuable wetlands. |
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Destroyed stream habitats and fishing pressures place threatening stresses on Brook Trout populations. Students receive Trout eggs from a Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries hatchery, investigate the mountain stream habitat, and then recreate that habitat in the class aquarium so the trout will thrive. In the spring students travel to the Virginia mountains to release the trout. |
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American Shad is an anadromous fish that lives in salt water but must travel upstream to fresh water to spawn. The construction of dams in Virginia's waterways impeded this migration. Most recently fish ladders have been constructed and unused dams removed, however, adult Shad have lost the instinct to return to those rivers. Students elect to hatch and raise Shad in a classroom hatchery, monitoring the water conditions, and raising brine shrimp for feed. Students then release the juvenile fish to increase the populations in Virginia waters. |
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Students also elect to create brochures, bookmarks, or Power Point presentations to increase public awareness of these important environmental issues. They serve as ambassadors for good stewardship of the Chesapeake Bay and its watershed. |
Partner Statement
Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute (HSWRI) salutes the Western Branch Middle School for its Chesapeake Bay Savers program. Students assisted in the design and implementation of several hands-on restoration projects for key species such as oysters and American Shad, and used quantitative scientific methods (including statistical analyses) to evaluate their efforts. This project embodies the 'solutions through science' approach embraced by HSWRI, and demonstrates the power of public and private partnerships among resource management agencies, conservation organizations, and dedicated individuals. |
