Using eDNA and Storytelling to Understand the Social and Ecological Histories of African Americans in the Chesapeake Bay

Understanding the social and environmental history of culturally significant coastal regions is vital to conserving these areas for the future. Black in Marine Science’s project will work with Blacks of the Chesapeake Foundation (BOCF) to use environmental DNA (eDNA) to bridge social and environmental knowledge throughout the Chesapeake Bay. This effort will also provide a way to share and intertwine ecological and storytelling data for Black communities and create a record of this information that will be incorporated into classrooms and archives. Activities include boating data collection trips, website development, filmmaking, and shoreside events to share oral history.

2023 Chesapeake Gateways Funding

$142,500.00