In 2018, a partnership between the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation and Maryland Department of Natural Resources provided for the operation of a water quality buoy adjacent to Mallows Bay. The buoy operates from spring through early winter and reports real-time measurements of water temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, pH, clarity, and chlorophyll (concentration of algae), as well as weather data such as air temperature, barometric pressure, and wind speed and direction. Scientists and resource managers can use the data to assess changes, aiding them in decision-making and other restoration efforts. Data also aids commercial watermen and recreational anglers, and benefits local tourism operators and visitors who use the real-time data to plan trips.
For more information and to access the data, visit the Eyes on the Bay website.