Chesapeake Bay is one of the best studied estuaries on the planet.  Long-term monitoring programs, combined with active academic and agency science programs, have resulted in a plethora of data, analyses, reports and scientific papers regarding Chesapeake Bay and the watershed. With all of this data and information, there is a need to clearly synthesize, interpret and apply the knowledge to inform ecosystem protection, restoration, and conservation.  By developing a collaborative scientific culture, agencies have partnered with one another in the Chesapeake to successfully implement challenging synthesis projects.  In this overview, we analyze various science synthesis projects to better understand how to effectively utilize the synthesis approach and draw out lessons from this experience.  Science synthesis topics covered will include (1) scoping management-relevant science questions (2) synthesis team development, (3) data aggregation and harmonization, (4) technical analysis, and (5) science communication.  

Case studies will include syntheses related to:

• Water-quality (nutrient) patterns and response
• Submerged aquatic vegetation patterns
• Sediment transport processes
• Stream restoration
• Fish habitat and health assessments

Consideration of these lessons learned when developing new science syntheses can result in more impactful technical products and, consequently, the implementation of more meaningful management and policy decisions.