Remote sensing of submerged aquatic vegetation in the Lower Chesapeake Bay : final report to National Aeronautical and Space Administration Langley Research Center
Kodak\u27s experimental water penetration film and black and white near infrared film were used to study the distribution of submerged aquatic vegetation in the lower Chesapeake Bay. The water penetration film was very useful in this study compared to the black and white N1R. Optimal results from this film were obtained with the camera aperture closed 1/2 stop from suggested settings. Detailed description of the grass beds were obtained by flying at an altitude of 5,000 feet, at low tide when wind conditions were minimal.
There was a 36% reduction in the amount of submerged aquatic vegetation in the lower Chesapeake Bay from 1971 to 1974. The greatest losses occurred in the York, Piankatank and Rappahannock rivers. Recovery of some grass beds occurred primarily through seedling recruitment and subsequent vegetative growth. Cownose rays were suspected as a main factor for the decimation of some of the grass beds.
