Understanding the dynamics of Chesapeake Bay oyster populations is critical for effective management and conservation efforts. This research analyzes long-term data from the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) and Virginia Marine Resources Commission (VMRC) to investigate temporal trends in oyster populations across the Virginia portion of the Chesapeake Bay, using ArcGIS Pro and ArcGIS online software.
This research includes aggregating almost 20 years of fishery independent survey data, normalizing data using tools such as Model Builder, and presenting data in an accessible and visually compelling way. The final product is an online interactive map, designed to allow users to visualize temporal changes in oyster populations across varying spatial scales. This dynamic visualization tool facilitates a nuanced understanding of how environmental factors and management interventions influence oyster abundance and distribution.
By synthesizing complex spatial and temporal data into a user-friendly format, this project provides crucial insights for policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders invested in the sustainable management of Chesapeake Bay oysters. The findings underscore the utility of geospatial technologies in informing management and communicating to a public audience.
This work was supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF) Science Center for Marine Fisheries (SCEMFIS, www.scemfis.org) and a Research Experience Award to Rowe as the presenting author.