Grant Project Summary:
Maryland Department of Natural
Resources
Bathymetric Survey of Maryland’s Portion of Chincoteague Bay
August 2002 to April 2004 
Project Summary
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources and the NOAA Coastal Services
Center entered a cooperative agreement to produce the first set of detailed
bathymetric data for Chincoteague Bay essential for state and local
agencies’ navigation and resource management. Maryland’s
Geologic Survey conducted a systematic hydrographic surveys in the Maryland
portion of Chincoteague Bay. The NOAA Coastal Services Center assisted
the investigators in using the hydrographic survey data to develop a
detailed bathymetric model of the coastal bays, which can serve as an
accurate baseline for comparison with any surveys conducted in the future.
Bathymetric model data was created in this project that can serve as
a useful guide in the management and oversight of navigation channels
and boating activities.
NOAA Coastal Services Center's
Role
The NOAA Coastal Services Center worked with investigators to ensure that
survey and field descriptive reports and mapping products were produced
according to International Hydrographic Standards and NOAA hydrographic
survey standards. Specifically, NOAA worked to: 1) provide the Maryland
of Department of Natural Resources with NOAA Hydrographic Standards
("IHO Special Publication 44", Fourth edition, April 1998;
"Field Procedures Manual for Hydrographic Surveying", NOS/NOAA,
March 1998; "Standing Project Instructions", NOS/NOAA, most
recent); 2) provide and assist in the identification and QA/QC of historical
tidal benchmark data in NAV88; 3) facilitate coordination with other
NOAA branches that have connections to the project work; 4) provide
support for metadata development; and 5) assist in the development and
distribution of a CD-ROM of the final products.
Grantee Overview
The Maryland
Department of Natural Resources (DNR), headquartered in Annapolis,
Maryland, is one of 18 principal departments of Maryland State Government.
As an executive agency, DNR is headed by the Secretary of Natural Resources,
who is appointed by, and reports directly to the Governor. The Maryland
Department of Natural Resources is the state agency which oversees the
management and wise use of the living and natural resources of the Chesapeake
Bay and its tributaries. The resources of the Maryland portion of the
watershed include its state forests and parks, fisheries, wildlife and
the recreation of citizens engaged in boating, fishing, hunting and
other outdoor enjoyment of our natural resources. The DNR works to inspire
citizens to enjoy and live in harmony with their environment today and
in future generations.
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