Dr. Kenneth Rose’s research centers on using mathematical and computer simulation modeling to predict and better understand fish population and food web dynamics in estuaries, lakes, reservoirs, and oceans.
Scientists expect this year’s summer Chesapeake Bay hypoxic or “dead zone”—an area of low to no oxygen that can kill fish and aquatic life—will be larger than average, approximately 1.89 cubic miles. This is due to spring rainfall amounts in New York and Pennsylvania that led to an above average Susquehanna River nitrogen load (81.4 million pounds) to the Chesapeake Bay this spring.
The Nanticoke Watershed Alliance tidal water quality monitoring program has achieved the highest standard set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Chesapeake Bay Program. This means that the data can be used by state and federal agencies in the highest level assessments, such as identifying whether the dissolved oxygen levels are sustainable for fish and other animals living in the Nanticoke River and its tributaries.