Completed Actions

2018-2020

  • Developed a Chesapeake Bay Data and Mapping Portal of existing climate data and mapping in support of Chesapeake Bay Program needs.
  • Reviewed recommendations of the 2018 STAC Climate Change Modeling 2.0 workshop and identified and implemented follow-up actions in conjunction with the Water Quality GIT, which included informing climate projections and scenarios for input into future Chesapeake Bay watershed and estuarine modeling processes; briefing the Climate Resiliency Workgroup on the completed Climate Change Modeling 2.0 Workshop report, relevant findings and identified next steps; and pursuing research opportunities to address climate impacts due to precipitation changes to inform the TMDL.
  • Gained a better understanding of past and future impacts of ocean acidification on Chesapeake Bay waters.
  • Undertook targeted research to improve our understanding of climate impacts and fill critical data or research gaps.

2017

  • Cataloged monitoring and modeling gaps for four select management strategies that support the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement.
  • Developed a plan to fill identified gaps.
  • Identified gap-filling solutions by expanding the Chesapeake Bay Program partnership to include identified ongoing or planned monitoring efforts of climate factors.
  • Conducted a literature review and synthesis of the latest scientific research on past and future climate change impacts on the Chesapeake Bay.
  • Compiled a research agenda to improve our understanding of climate impacts and fill critical data or research gaps.
  • Compiled available data, tools and resources that can be used to support Chesapeake Bay watershed vulnerability assessments.
  • Increased the availability of, and access to, climate monitoring and assessment data.

2016

  • Used Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, National Weather Service and other data sets to assess Chesapeake Bay climate sensitivity.
  • Established guidance for the application of climate change scenarios, projections and realizations for Chesapeake Bay Program assessments.
  • Developed and implemented a methodology to establish climate goals and baselines for individual management strategies that support the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement.
  • Informed the approach to factoring climate considerations into the Chesapeake Bay Total Maximum Daily Load (Bay TMDL) 2017 Midpoint Assessment.