On May 9, 2015, physical scientist Suzanne Bricker, from CCEHBR's Cooperative Oxford Laboratory (COL), participated with other physical scientists and economists from NOAA's Chesapeake Bay Program Office (NCBO), National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), Office of Habitat Conservation (OHC), University of Maryland, and Morgan State University, in a meeting to kick-off the Choptank River Ecosystem Services Project. Part of theIntegrating Science to Inform Management objective of the larger Choptank River Complex Habitat Focus Area (HFA) Implementation Plan,the team reviewed project objectives, discussed how to integrate ecosystem service estimation and socioeconomic benefits analysis project components, described tools that will be used for the ecosystem services and socioeconomic analyses, and identified linkages to other relevant work within the Choptank River HFA. Ecosystem service project outcomes will support the objective Constituents understand and use the value of key ecosystem services and socioeconomic benefits derived from restoration and protection of oyster and wetland habitats to support decision making.

For more information contact Suzanne.Bricker@noaa.gov