Mallow Bay National Marine Sanctuary
Located in an 18-square-mile portion of the Potomac River in Charles County, Maryland, Mallows Bay–Potomac River National Marine Sanctuary protects the remnants of more than 100 World War I-era wooden steamships known as the “Ghost Fleet.”
The tidal freshwater river that comprises the majority of the sanctuary supports species of ecological, economic, and cultural importance, while the shipwrecks of the Ghost Fleet serve as islands of life that provide structure and habitat.
TOUR OF DUTY DATE:
September 2022
SCIENTIFIC PARTNERS:
Mallows Bay NMS
Maryland Department of Natural Resources
OBJECTIVES:
To survey 33 separate sites within Mallows Bay NMS for the presence of certain Submerged Aquatic Vegetation (SAV) species — underwater grasses — which are critical in providing habitat, food source, and nursery grounds for fish, shellfish, and waterfowl.
RESULTS:
The survey conducted by six (6) FORCE BLUE veterans found that most of the sites had relatively high submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) density, with 19 of the 33 surveyed sites having a total estimated SAV coverage of 70% to 100%. Six sites had coverage of 40% to 70%, four sites had coverage of 10% to 40%, and three sites had coverage of less than 10%.
High density of SAV is a positive indicator, as it can suggest a highly resilient system against storms and a suitable habitat for animals. Species richness varied across the sites, with a range of 0 to 6 different species present at any given site.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT:
FORCE BLUE produced a documentary video teasing its Tour of Duty, with the Mallows Bay NMS mission serving as its backdrop. The video was subsequently made public via NOAA’s National Marine Sanctuary Foundation.
