RESEARCH NEEDS 



rhere have been several catalogues of research needs for Chesapeake Bay. in- 

 cluding those related to pollution (Beers et al., 1971; Chesapeake Research Con- 

 sortium, 1977; Corps of Engineers. 1977; Ellis, 1973; Office of Research and 

 Development EPA. 1980). Eight areas of research and related activity merit 

 emphasis: 



1 . Improved comprehension of the components and fundamental processes of the 

 total Chesapeake Bar system. The physics, chemistry, and biology of the Bav 

 have received much attention, but there are serious gaps that preclude the 

 understanding necessary as a basis for adequate management. The routes, 

 rates, sinks, and effects of materials entering the systems, including pollutants, 

 are not sufficiently known. The food webs and flows of materials and energy in 

 them are only grossly described. Knowledge of the requirements of the organ- 

 isms of the Bay is so meager that only a small number of the 2.700 species larger 

 than microorganisms can be carried through their full life history in laboratory 

 culture. 



2. Development of technical methods tor converting wasted resources from pol- 

 lutants to useful materials. Wasted heat and nutrients, chemical wastes, 

 channel sediments, and the byproducts from processing of wood and foods are 

 all large-scale pollutants of the Chesapeake Bay with such potentials. 



3. Research responsive to the needs recognized by management agencies for 

 application in meeting short-term and long-term needs. Competent and objec- 

 tive investigation of a large number of practical and managerial problems is 

 needed. It must be protected from use as a cosmetic, mere defense of stated 

 position, and the prostitution of the process of objective research. 



4. Improved understanding of the social and economic characteristics of the Bay 

 region and improved capability to predict the effects of alternative practices. 

 Pollution control and other management efforts are anthropocentric. but there 

 is a limited understanding of the social and economic needs, wishes, and trends 

 of the region. Without it, the danger of misdirected management is great. 



5. Research to assist protection and enhancement of the desired conditions and 

 products of the Bay, and to minimize undesired ones, by means consistent with 

 the capacities and limitations of the ecosystem. Improvement of fisheries by 

 intelligent protection of their critical areas of spawning, nursery use. feeding, 

 and migration is possible, but the knowledge base is very limited. Control oi 

 disease, of vegetation that interferes with use, of sea nettles, and of other com- 

 ponents undesired by some users may become feasible, but we have at least 

 learned that they must be approached in the context of balanced use and the 

 total effects on a complex system. Knowledge is not yet sufficient to permit 

 these achievements 



6. Improved capability to predict the possible effects of proposed chemical intro- 

 ductions, physical alterations, biological modifications, and resultant environ- 

 mental conditions in the Bay is essential for adequate management. For 

 example, we cannot state with sufficient precision to guide management 

 agencies the effects, full costs, and full benefits of doubling or halving nutrient 

 loads; releasing small quantities of toxicants or stimulants; cumulative con- 

 struction of bulkheads, groins, small channels, and piers; large-scale extraction 

 of commercially useful species; development of resistant bacteria; diminishing 

 the freshwater flow from tributary rivers or altering the annual cycle of fresh- 

 water flow; or many other changes that have been, are, and will be proposed. 

 Present knowledge can be very valuable in evaluation of such proposals, but it 

 is not sufficient. Such research will involve basic studies, improved models of 

 many kinds and, especially, improved means of experimentally testing the 

 effects of change prior to risking a portion of the Bay. One of the most urgent 

 needs for improving prediction of effects in Chesapeake Bay (and other 



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