Scientists to Help Fisherman Avoid Chesapeake Bay Dead Zones

NORFOLK, Va. (AP) — Scientists say they will soon help Chesapeake Bay fisherman by mapping the water's low-oxygen dead zones in real time.

Poor oxygen levels often force fish out of the bay's cool bottom waters. William and Mary's Virginia Institute of Marine Science says it will show anglers where the fish may have gone.

The university says it's using experimental computer models to map and forecast the bay's dead zones. The oxygen-poor areas are created when excess nitrogen from fertilizers and wastewater flow into the water and boost the growth of algae.

The university says that charter boat captains looking for striped bass will be able to use the forecasts to plan where they'll fish.

Excerpted from: http://www.michigansthumb.com/news/article/Scientists-to-help-fisherman-avoid-Chesapeake-Bay-9162446.php