Chesapeake Bay Program Benthic Monitoring Database

The purpose of this document is to present the current CIMS
relational database design for benthic monitoring data. The following text
describes in detail the Benthic Monitoring Database's structural design.
Additionally this document provides guidance on loading CBP monitoring data
deliverables into the described database and on calculation of standard CBP
Benthic Indicators utilizing the database. This text is intended primarily for
use by data generators and data users to a lessor degree. This document is not
intended to provide a complete discussion of the concepts of a relational
database systems.

The study of benthic communities in Chesapeake Bay has been an
ongoing process. Benthic Monitoring studies were in progress before the
signing of the 1983 Chesapeake Bay Agreement. In Virginia, historically much
of the research focused on documenting the condition and dynamics of benthic
communities. In Maryland, a series Power Plant monitoring studies were
conducted which had significant benthic components. In 1983, the Chesapeake Bay
Agreement was signed laying the ground work for the current EPA Chesapeake Bay
Environmental Monitoring Program. The current long-term benthic community
monitoring programs are run by the states of Maryland and Virginia, have been
instrumental in development of the Chesapeake Bay Program Benthic Restoration
Goals and the Chesapeake Bay Index of Benthic Integrity.

The study of the benthos in Chesapeake Bay has had a long dynamic history. Many
diverse types of data collected and various data collection protocols employed
in the past. This trend is anticipated to continue as technology and
scientific knowledge about the benthos evolves. Therefore, the final database
design had to be suitable for storing data from historic studies, current
Monitoring Programs as well as have the flexibility to accommodate any future
data forms. The data housed in the current benthic database includes species
abundance and composition counts, biomass determinations, sediment and water
quality analyses and photographic images and other multimedia material.