Information on the life histories, ecological roles, habitat requirements, and special concerns for 31 'target species', compiled and interpreted from extensive literature by recognized experts, is presented in 20 chapters. The target species, selected by the former Living Resources Task Force as a step in developing the first edition, were chosen for their commercial, recreational, and ecological importance. The Task Force intended that the target species, both directly and through their ecological associations, would represent all major trophic levels and aquatic habitat types in Chesapeake Bay. Two additional chapters are syntheses of information on contaminant effects on the target species. The 47 maps in the Appendix display recent information, compiled under the supervision of the chapter authors.