The abundance and diversity of organisms can serve as an indicator of the health of any community. Communities change continuously, but larger trends and permanent alterations may not become apparent without long-term observation. For this reason, meaningful monitoring usually requires a long timeframe, often many years.

Cove Point is a shallow, freshwater marsh along the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay in Calvert County. Cove Point marsh is important for several reasons. First, it represents a rare system: an undisturbed freshwater habitat immediately adjacent to the Bay. Second, it is a home for many ecologically and economically important organisms. Last, it contains a variety of rare plants and animals listed as endangered at both the state and federal level.

Click on the photographs to view their enlarged versions.
Continue to Sampling Local Fishes