How Did We Monitor SAV at Jug Bay?

Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary

Teen Adventure: SAV Monitoring

How We Did It:

We identified which species of SAV were growing in the Patuxent River and mapped their distribution and density. At the same time we conducted Water Quality tests, including Dissolved Oxygen (DO), pH, Nitrogen (Nitrates and Ammonium), Secchi Depth, Total Depth, Flow, and Water and Air Temperature. We collected samples from natural SAV beds, planted (restored) SAV beds, and areas without SAV. We collected water samples from the main channel of the River where it was too deep or SAV.

We canoed to SAV beds to identify which species were there.
We paddled canoes to SAV beds to identify which species were there.

We used rakes to collect SAVs from the beds so we could identify the species. This is Hydrilla.

We used a Secchi disc to measure how deep light could penetrate the water.

We used a Calculator-Based Lab with dissolved oxygen, temperature, and water flow probes.

What Did We Find?
What is SAV?
Why is SAV important?
What habitat conditions influence SAV distribution?
… so what's the problem?
Why Should I Care About SAV?
What Can I Do?

Web site contact: jugbay@toad.net

We paddled canoes to SAV beds to identify which species were there.	We used rakes to collect SAVs from the beds so we could identify the species. This is Hydrilla.
We used a Secchi disc to measure how deep light could penetrate the water.	We used a Calculator-Based Lab with dissolved oxygen, temperature, and water flow probes.