What is the Chesapeake Bay Interpretive Buoy System (CBIBS)?
How many buoys are part of CBIBS? Will there be more?
What type of data do the buoys collect?
How often is Data collected?
What do the buoys look like?
How can I access CBIBS data?
What are the educational components of CBIBS?
What educational tools are being developed as part of CBIBS?
How is CBIBS connected to the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail?
What other organizations are involved, and how can my organization get involved?
What is next for CBIBS?
What is the relationship between CBIBS and the Chesapeake Bay Observing System (CBOS)?
- What is the Chesapeake Bay Interpretive Buoy System (CBIBS)?
- CBIBS is a combination of on-the-water sensor platforms that provide real-time data streams and educational tools to interpret portions of the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail. These tools provide users with the products and information they need to enhance their understanding of the Chesapeake Bay environment.
- How many buoys are part of CBIBS? Will there be more?
- Six CBIBS buoys have been stationed in the Bay. Three CBIBS buoys were launched in 2007: (1) James River near Jamestown, Virginia, (2) mouth of the Potomac River, and (3) mouth of the Patapsco River near Baltimore, Maryland. In 2008, three more buoys were deployed: (1) Rappahannock River near Stingray Point, Virginia, (2) Elizabeth River near Norfolk, Virginia, and (3) Susquehanna River near Havre de Grace, Maryland. In addition, CBIBS provides links to other data collection systems in the Chesapeake Bay.
- What type of data do the buoys collect?
- CBIBS buoys collect the following data: wind/meteorological (wind speed and direction, air temperature, barometric pressure, relative humidity); GPS (horizontal position); near-surface water quality (water temperature, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, Chlorophyll A, turbidity); wave height (significant and maximum), direction, and period. In the future, CBIBS will explore adding: passive acoustics (fish tags); nutrient sensors (as they develop); above/below water optics for satellite validation; GSP (vertical position for water levels); and subsurface water quality.
- How often is Data collected?
- Data is collected every 10 to 60 minutes depending on the parameter.
- What do the buoys look like?
- The buoys look similar to other buoys located throughout the Bay with a platform measuring close to a meter square. They are deployable in relatively shallow water (five to 50 meters) and are serviceable by small boats.
- How can I access CBIBS data?
- Real-time data collected by the buoy sensors is delivered to the public through this web site and via toll-free phone number 877-BUOY-BAY. Content includes stored and real-time data, graphs and charts, historical and cultural information, and Chesapeake Bay ecology.
- What are the educational components of CBIBS?
- CBIBS provides a multidisciplinary approach to Chesapeake Bay education. Working with partners, CBIBS provides access to scientific, historical and cultural data and relates it to the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail. CBIBS gives educators the opportunity to compare data from the Chesapeake Bay today with available information about the Bay in the recent and distant past creating a comparison of "then and now."
- What educational tools are being developed as part of CBIBS?
- CBIBS provides both real-time data and related curricula to educators for use in the classroom and in the field. NOAA Chesapeake Bay Office (NCBO), in partnership with the National Estuarine Research Reserve System (NERRS), is creating "Chesapeake Exploration," a curriculum that will include specific Chesapeake Bay modules. Chesapeake Exploration will include professional development and training. Additional curricula, developed with CBIBS partners, will highlight historical, cultural, and local stories related to the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail.
- How is CBIBS connected to the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail?
- CBIBS buoys are placed at key locations along the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail. In addition, CBIBS highlights historical, cultural, and local stories related to the Trail as part of the interpretive message.
- What other organizations are involved, and how can my organization get involved?
- NCBO is working with partners to develop collaborative opportunities to move CBIBS forward. Partners include: The Conservation Fund, National Geographic Society, Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Verizon, Sultana, Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, James River Association, National Park Service, Virginia Council on Indians, and various NOAA offices (National Weather Service, National Ocean Service, NOAA Office of Education). If you or your group would like to get involved in CBIBS, contact the NOAA Chesapeake Bay Office.
- What is next for CBIBS?
- Please see the Press Room section for the most recent information about new buoy locations and other news related to CBIBS.
- What is the relationship between CBIBS and the Chesapeake Bay Observing System (CBOS)?
- CBIBS is an integral part of CBOS and also is a component of the U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing System.
