Maps

The 2007 Dissolved Oxygen Indicator showing Percent of Goal Achieved by the three year analysis method.

Sufficient dissolved oxygen (DO) is crucial for the fauna of the Chesapeake Bay to exist. Different aquatic organisms have different DO requirements. Many finfish need at least 5 mg/l while some bottom dwelling worms and clams need as little as 1 or 2 mg/l to survive. The different designated use zones (Open Water, Deep Water and Deep Channel) reflect the different needs of the species that inhabit different parts of the water column. Note: Some areas of the DO Designated Use were changed in 2007 from the original published map of 2003.