Mallows Bay-Potomac River National Marine Sanctuary conducts research and monitoring activities in an effort to better understand, manage, and interpret maritime heritage resources and the surrounding ecosystem. A variety of activities, such as site mapping, water quality monitoring, submerged aquatic vegetation surveys, and acoustic telemetry help characterize the shipwrecks, key habitats, and species in the sanctuary, while community science projects connect volunteers to meaningful research efforts. Information gathered by the sanctuary, partners, and volunteers helps provide important insights to sanctuary co-managers.
Information about the science needs in Mallows Bay-Potomac River National Marine Sanctuary is available on the NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries website.
Swamp rose mallow. Photo: McIntosh/NOAA
Ecology
Learn about the habitats and species that are found in the sanctuary.
Research and Monitoring
Long-term monitoring programs provide sanctuary managers with a big picture view of the health of the sanctuary and how it may be changing.
Community Science
Learn about projects in which volunteers partner with scientists to answer real-world questions.
Climate
Climate change is impacting your national marine sanctuaries. In Mallows Bay-Potomac River National Marine Sanctuary, the major threats are increasing temperatures, rising waters, ocean acidification, and invasive species. Read the climate impact profile for more information.