SAV, Important to the River’s Health

Water stargrass (Heteranthera dubia) at Oronoco Bay Park, Alexandria, on the Potomac River. Photo by R. H. Simmons.

Submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV), native and non-native, is increasing in the Potomac River and helps improve water quality, reported the Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin (ICPRB), citing the September 13, 2017, presentation to the Friends of Dyke Marsh by Dr. Nancy Rybicki, U.S. Geological Survey (see below). 

And there were encouraging numbers of American shad and striped bass stocks in the Potomac River in 2017.  ICPRB’s winter 2017 Potomac Basin Reporter includes articles on these topics, plus a useful guide (with photos) to some of these more common aquatic plants.  For more information, visit the ICPRB website here.