To learn more about the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem, NCBO supports the development of computer modeling systems. Current efforts include the development and application of the Chesapeake Bay Fisheries Ecosystem Model (CBFEM), which was developed using the Ecopath with Ecosim software package. CBFEM is a mathematical model of the trophic (feeding) relationships of all the major fisheries species and their prey. It allows users to evaluate and explore real-world fisheries management scenarios. NCBO also cofunded development (with the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission) of the Multi-Species Virtual Population Analysis, which examines multispecies interactions along the Atlantic Coast. Another project, the Oyster Larval Transport Monitoring Tool, has features that help evaluate the proposed introduction of a non-native Asian oyster into Chesapeake Bay by modeling movement of young oysters. In addition, NCBO supports other modeling efforts necessary for stock assessment of other species such as blue crabs and clams.

Effective modeling needs accurate data, so NCBO supports surveys to estimate species abundance and distribution and to collect biological data. Monitoring programs—accomplished through collaboration with academic institutions—provide a more accurate assessment of the ecosystem dynamics of the Bay’s fishery resources. NCBO scientists carry out benthic mapping and characterization of the bottom of the Bay and its tributaries. This provides information that can be used in planning habitat restoration—for example, letting restorers know in advance which portions of a particular river may be conducive to growing underwater grasses so that they can plan an effective restoration project.

NCBO also supports surveys that track numbers of key Bay populations. Numbers that support the annual Blue Crab Advisory Report come from the Virginia trawl survey , Maryland summer trawl survey, Calvert Cliffs crab pot survey, and Bay-wide winter dredge survey. Our office also supports multi-species fisheries monitoring surveys, such as the Chesapeake Bay Multispecies Monitoring and Assessment Program (ChesMMAP) and the Chesapeake Bay Fishery-Independent Multi-Species Survey (ChesFIMS) .