Research and monitoring allow us to understand the ecosystem through the scientific process and observe it over time to detect changes and trends. Research and monitoring projects in Mallows Bay-Potomac River National Marine Sanctuary take place in collaboration with our co-managers and partners. Projects listed below are some of our current, high-priority projects.
![A buoy with metal panels and a yellow base floats in the water.](/media/img/2018427-mbnms-water-quality-buoy-1000.jpg)
Water Quality Buoy
This water quality buoy in the sanctuary reports real-time measurements of physical and chemical water parameters.
![Several fish caught in a net pulled up onto a boat](/media/img/20190501-striped-bass-survey-1000.jpg)
Acoustic Telemetry
Learn how sanctuary staff work with partners to collect acoustic telemetry data to track fish species.
![A person holds strands of underwater grasses in a red kayak with a yellow paddle](/media/img/20230719-mallows-bay-sav-survey-1000.jpg)
Submerged Aquatic Vegetation Monitoring
Sanctuary staff monitor the submerged aquatic vegetation to better understand the sanctuary's overall ecosystem.