This information can be used directly to adjust management regimes to conserve these source populations. Additionally, the information may also improve stock assessments for these species by clarifying the relationship between spawning stock and recruitment. However, most importantly, the techniques provide the data that would be required to enable adoption of spatially-explicit management on an objective basis in Chesapeake Bay. Prior to the development of these techniques application of spatially-explicit management would have been problematical. Finally, our objectives are timely as there is rising interest in the use of marine protected areas as a management tool .
Sanctuaries currently exist for sea grass, blue crab and black sea bass.
Additional measures for female blue crab have been suggested. The potential impact of a closed area are easy to envisage. Based on a review of existing sanctuaries, and on the results of modeling exercises we can conduct qualitative and quantitative reviews of their impacts and effectiveness, thereby gaining from the experience of others before recommending their establishment in Chesapeake Bay. In the year following completion of the literature synthesis, we propose to convene a workshop to explore the utility of spatially explicit modeling to managing fisheries resources in the region. The PI's will work with STAC and the regional Sea Grant Colleges to convene the workshop in the 12 months following completion of this project.