Ecological Monitoring Program (EMP)
An Ecological Monitoring Program near the VIMS Eastern Shore Laboratory, Wachapreague, Virginia
Intertidal oyster reef
Amphipod from the genus Ampellisca
Biofilm array
Benthic grab sampling
Oyster spat on tile
Trawling for nekton
An Ecological Monitoring Program (EMP) has been established at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science Eastern Shore Laboratory (VIMS ESL) for the coastal environment near the lab. The goals of the initiative are to 1) provide status and trends information to scientists who study and regulators who manage Virginia’s marine resources, 2) provide a scientific context for scientists’ research and grant proposals 3) provide pedagogical enrichment to educators for their classes, and 4) build capacity in staff expertise and training of interns and students at VIMS ESL.