NOAA’s National Ocean Service is pleased to share the conclusions of the Tred Avon River ecological assessment report in relation to Easton Point. The study, which analyzed the impacts of land use on the condition of the aquatic ecosystem in the Tred Avon River, was conducted over the period 2015-2017 in support of NOAA’s Choptank River Complex Habitat Focus Area. Online results can be found here.
Findings show the Tred Avon River to be an ecosystem in relatively good condition; however, each of the eight selected sub-watersheds show some signs of stress. Indeed, several Chesapeake Bay-wide issues were clearly detected, including excess nutrients, high chlorophyll A concentrations, seasonally decreased oxygen levels in bottom waters, and poor water clarity. Moreover, signs of degradation were particularly evident in areas affected by rapid growth and development in the region. Additional information and products associated with the Choptank HFA may be found on the project webpage.
