Chesapeake Bay
The Benthic Index of Biotic Integrity (BIBI) measures the condition of the benthic community (e.g. clams and others) living in or on the soft bottom areas of the Bay. These organisms are a key food source for many species including perch, spot, and croaker.
Chesapeake Watershed
Stream benthic community measures the condition of the benthic community living in streams. Benthic macroinvertebrates are freshwater organisms including snails, mussels, worms, and insects that live in and on the stream and river bottom. These organisms are a key food source for many fish species.
How is it scored?
Chesapeake Bay
Samples for assessing benthic community (bottom habitat) were collected at approximately 250 sites in July, August, and September by the Chesapeake Bay Benthic Monitoring Program. Data from each sampling station is used to calculate a Benthic Index of Biotic Integrity (BIBI) score. The proportion of the reporting regions area meeting the Benthic Index of Biological Integrity score is calculated and mapped.
Benthic community assessments in the bay are part of the Chesapeake Bay Long-Term Benthic Monitoring and Assessment Program, and are communicated by Versar in coordination with the Chesapeake Bay Program. See https://www.baybenthos.versar.com/default.htm for more information.
Chesapeake Watershed
Samples for assessing benthic community (bottom habitat) for 2019 were collected from 2006-2011. Samples for assessing benthic community (bottom habitat) for 2020, 2021, 2022 were collected from 2012-2017. Data from each sampling station is used to calculate a Benthic Index of Biotic Integrity (BIBI) score. The stations are averaged to the HUC12 level. The proportion of the HUC12s area meeting the Benthic Index of Biological Integrity score is calculated. These scores are area-weighted to the region scores.
Data are provided by the Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin (ICPRB). See https://www.potomacriver.org/about-icprb/ for more information.