The%20Chesapeake%20Bay:%20How%20is%20it%20Doing?

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The Chesapeake BayHow is it Doing?
The Chesapeake BayHow is it Doing?
December 2005
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Why Are We Here?
The Chesapeake Bay is a beautiful place. By
protecting the Bay, we are more likely to
preserve our economy and the health of the living
things that call the Bay home.
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Chesapeake Bay Watershed
New York
Pennsylvania
Maryland
Delaware
West Virginia
District of Columbia
Virginia
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The Bay is Economically Important
The Bay is important for many reasons. It helps
to support the region's economy as a major source
of seafood and a major hub for shipping and
commerce.
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The Bay is Important for Recreation and Tourism
It offers a wide variety of recreational
opportunitiesfor residents and visitors.
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The Bay Provides Important Habitat for Wildlife
It provides a huge natural habitat for wildlife.
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Where Does the Bay Start?
Where does the Bay start? If you are one of the
16 million people who live in the watershed, then
the Bay starts in your backyard!
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Threats to the Bay and Rivers
NUTRIENTS
SEDIMENTS
TOXIC CHEMICALS
HABITAT LOSS
OVERFISHING
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Nutrients
Nitrogen and Phosphorus are the nutrients
causing problems in the Bay.
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What Are the Effects of Excess Nutrients?
What are the effects of excess nutrients? Bay
grasses die.
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Bay creatures are affected by low oxygen levels
What are the effects of excess nutrients? Low
oxygen levels in Bay waters.
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Sources of Pollutants to the Bay
Nonpoint Sources

• Run-off from farmland
• Run-off from lawns and paved areas

Point Sources

• Industry
• Wastewater Treatment Plants

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Cows in Streams
Stormwater and groundwater carry nutrients into
rivers and the Bay from a variety of nonpoint
sources.
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Wastewater Treatment Plant
Point sources are the second largest contributors
of nutrient pollution to the rivers and the Bay.
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Fossil Fuel Power Plant
A significant amount of nitrogen pollution is
created when we generate electricity and drive
cars. Generating electric power by burning
fossil fuels, such as coal and oil, releases
nitrogen, in the form of nitrogen oxide gas, into
the air.
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Automobile Exhaust
Nitrogen, again in the form of nitrogen oxide
gases, comes out of car tail pipes and gets into
the air.
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Septic Systems
Another source of nitrogen is septic
systems. Many homes in the watershed use
underground septic systems for treatment of
wastewater and sewage.
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The Bay and its rivers are doing betterthan they
were when the firstChesapeake Bay Agreement was
signed in 1983,but we still have a way to go
before we reach our goals for a restored
Chesapeake.
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Phosphorus Concentrations Declining in Some of
theNon-tidal Portions of the Rivers
Monitoring data shows that concentrations of
nitrogen flowing into the Bay are decreasing in
many of the Bays major tributaries. These charts
use flow-adjusted data, which are normalized to
account for seasonal and year-to-year variability
in weather patterns.
1985 2004 Decreasing No significant
trend Increasing
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Nitrogen Concentrations Declining in Some of
theNon-tidal Portions of the Rivers
Monitoring data shows that concentrations of
phosphorus flowing into the Bay are decreasing in
many of the Bays major tributaries. These charts
use flow-adjusted data, which are normalized to
account for seasonal and year-to-year variability
in weather patterns.
1985 2004 Decreasing No significant
trend Increasing
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Sediment Concentrations Declining in Some of
theNon-tidal Portions of the Rivers
Monitoring data shows that concentrations of
sediment flowing into the Bay are decreasing in
some of the Bays major tributaries. These charts
use flow-adjusted data, which are normalized to
account for seasonal and year-to-year variability
in weather patterns.
1980s 2004 Decreasing No significant
trend Increasing
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Bay Grasses Show Annual Variation
Restoration Goal (185,000 acres by 2010)
Underwater bay grasses are slowly improving, but
further reductions in the pollutants flowing into
the Bay are needed to help them flourish. Annual
variations in bay grasses show the sensitivity of
the Bay ecosystem.
Note Hatched area of bar includes estimated
additional acreage. No Baywide surveys 1979-83
and 1988 Source Chesapeake Bay Program.
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Rockfish Population Stable
Baywide Female Spawning Stock Biomass
Rockfish have rebounded to levels not seen since
the 1950s, but concerns remain over disease,
sufficient sources of food and availability of
spawning habitat.
Fishing moratoria MD DE 1985-1990 VA
1989-1990
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Bald Eagle Populations on the Rebound!
Actions to control chemical contaminants have led
to improved conditions in the Bay. Bald eagles
are no longer endangered due to the ban on the
pesticide DDT and subsequent habitat improvements.
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Bay Waters are Generally Safefor Fishing and
Swimming
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The Chesapeake Bay Program Partnership
Governor of MD
Governor of VA
Governor of PA
Mayor of DC
EPA Administrator
Executive Council
Chair of Chesapeake Bay Commission
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Bay Cleanup Has Citizen Involvement
CHESAPEAKEBAY PROGRAM Scientific and Technical
Advisory Committee Citizen Advisory Committee
representing the interests of Business,
Industry, Environment, Agriculture, Fisheries,
Local Governments, Developers, etc.
ALLIANCE FOR THE CHESAPEAKE BAY
CHESAPEAKE BAY FOUNDATION
WATERSHED ORGANIZATIONS LAND TRUSTS CONSERVATION
GROUPS
CHESAPEAKE BAY CLEANUP
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Phosphate Detergent Ban
After signing the 1983 Bay Agreement , Maryland,
Pennsylvania, Virginia and the District of
Columbia instituted phosphate detergent bans.
In 1987, Chesapeake Bay Program partners
committed to achieving a 40 percent reduction in
controllable nutrient loads to the Bay by
2000 and in 1992, agreed to stay at or below
these nutrient loads once attained.
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Chesapeake 2000 The New Agreement
In June 2000, the Chesapeake Bay Program partners
signed a new agreement to guide the restoration
and protection of the Bay through the next decade
and beyond. In Chesapeake 2000, the partners
agreed to
by 2010, correct the nutrient- and
sediment-related problems in the Chesapeake Bay
and its tidal tributaries sufficiently to remove
the Bay and the tidal portions of its tributaries
from the list of impaired waters under the Clean
Water Act.
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Progress toward Meeting Nutrient and Sediment
Goals Limited
The Chesapeake Bay Program Watershed Model
provides program managers with a way to estimate
the nutrient and sediment reductions that will
likely occur as pollution abatement practices are
implemented throughout the watershed. These
reduction estimates also provide an indication of
the pollutant load that would flow into the Bay
in an "average year. Using the model, managers
can project the future response of various
management actions put in place today. Based on
Bay watershed model simulations, 58 of the
phosphorus, 41 of the nitrogen and 54 of the
sediment reduction goals have been achieved.
Source CBP Phase 4.3 Watershed Model. Estimates
of nutrient and land-based sediment reductions
that may occur when the reported management
practices and reduction technologies are
implemented within watershed portions of NY, PA,
MD, DC, DE, WV, VA. The model's nonpoint source
load reductions are estimates of what would occur
under long-term avergaed rainfall conditions
based on the years 1985-1994. The point source
load reductions are actual measurements and are
influenced by the reporting years rainfall.
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Wastewater Treatment Improvements
63 of the Point Source Nitrogen Reduction Goal
Has Been Achieved Nitrogen loads delivered to the
Bay from municipal and industrial wastewater
facilities declined 30.4 million lbs/yr 1985 -
2004 as a result of industrial reductions and
installment of nutrient reduction technology
(NRT) technology. 80 of the Point Source
Phosphorus Reduction Goal Has Been
Achieved Phosphorus loads delivered to the Bay
from municipal and industrial wastewater
facilities declined 4.9 million lbs/yr between
1985 and 2004 as a result of improved treatment
capability and implementation of phosphate
detergent bans (MD 1985, DC 1986, VA 1988, PA
1990). These reductions occurred in spite of a
20 increase in population 1985-2003.
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Best Management Practices
As partners in the restoration effort, many
farmers are using a variety of techniques, called
"best management practices", to reduce nutrients
and sediment coming from farms into the Bay and
its rivers.
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Farmers Using Nutrient ManagementApply Less
Nutrients
Acres Under Nutrient Management
Year 2010 Draft Target 4.5 million acres
3.42 million acres of cropland and hayland in the
Bay watershed were placed under nutrient
management plans between 1985 and 2003. The
effectiveness of the plans is based on how
aggressively they are implemented.
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Sediment Control and Stormwater Management
The use of sediment control fencing around
building and road construction sites has been
very successful in reducing nutrient and sediment
loads from nonpoint sources.
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Restoration and Protection of Habitat and Living
Resources
Since 1987, the Bay Program has committed to
"provide for the restoration and protection of
living resources, their habitats, and ecological
relationships".
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Fish Migration Blockages
More than 1,000 miles of fish spawning habitat on
Chesapeake Bay tributaries are currently blocked
by dams, culverts and other obstructions.
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Migratory and Resident Fish Habitat Expanding
The removal of dams and the construction of fish
passages are reopening native spawning grounds to
migratory and resident fish in many parts of the
watershed. When combined with stocking efforts,
migratory species are beginning to return. The
removal of dams and fishway construction from
1988 through 2005 reopened 1,838 miles of
historic habitat to migratory and resident fish.
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Shad Are Starting to Make a Comebackbut Have a
Long, Long Way to Go
Stocking efforts, a moratorium, and fish passage
development increased the number of shad counted
at Conowingo Dam from several hundred per year in
the early 1980s to an average of 101,140 per year
in 2003-2005.
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Streamside Forests Sprouting Up
Shad Are Starting to Make a Comeback...but have
a long, long way to
Riparian Forest Buffer Restoration
Forest buffer restoration is improving local
waterways throughout the Bay watershed by
preventing pollutants from entering the rivers
and improving wildlife habitat. About 60 percent
of the riparian area in the watershed is
forested. In 1996, the Bay Program partners
committed to restore riparian forests on 2,010
miles of stream and shoreline in the watershed by
2010. This goal was met in 2002.
Current 2010 Goal10,000 miles (established 2003)
In 2003, the partners committed to conserve and
restore forests along at least 70 of all streams
and shoreline in the watershed, with a near term
goal of at least 10,000 miles by 2010.
Initial 2010 Goal2,010 miles (established 1996)
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Wetlands Are Being Restored
GOAL Achieve a net resource gain by restoring
25,000 acres by 2010 in the Wetlands Restoration
Program. STATUS We have achieved 40 of the
wetland acreage gain goal through non-regulatory
programs. The Chesapeake Bay Program is working
to determine if this is indeed a net
gain. Establishment Create wetland that did not
previously exist. Reestablishment Restore
historic functions to a former wetland.
Data Collection In Progress
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Toxics-Free Bay
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Regions of Concern
The most severe chemical contamination problems
in the Bay are generally limited to those areas
located near urban centers close to the Bay the
Baltimore Harbor and the Anacostia and Elizabeth
rivers. The Bay Program is directing reduction
and prevention actions toward these areas, known
as "Regions of Concern".
Baltimore Harbor
Anacostia River
Regions of Concern Areas with known chemical
contaminant-related impacts.
Elizabeth River
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Status of Chemical Contaminant Effectson Living
Resources in the Bays Tidal Rivers
Chesapeake Bay scientists and managers
characterized the status of chemical contaminant
effects on living resources in the Bays tidal
rivers based on all available chemical
contaminant data. The result of this
characterization, summarized in this map, will be
used by Chesapeake Bay Program decision makers to
target specific tidal rivers for monitoring and
management efforts.
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Industry Reduces Chemical Releases
Bay basin industries have achieved their
voluntary goal of reducing releases and transfers
of chemical contaminants 65 between 1988 and
2000. Since the year 2000 goal has been achieved,
the Chesapeake Bay Program has consulted with
industry to set new targets.
Year 2000 Measurement of Progress
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We Still Have More Work to Do
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Crabs
The Chesapeake Bay blue crab fisheries are
valuable. They provide significant economic
benefits for many people in the region. They are
also an important part of the region's heritage.
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Blue Crabs At Risk
Mature Female Blue Crabs
Blue Crab populations have stabilized at
below-average levels. Improved water quality and
habitat restoration efforts along with proper
management of the crab harvest are needed to
restore the Bays blue crab populations.
Average
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Oysters at Historic Lows
Oyster populations in the Chesapeake are at
historic lows due to disease, intense harvest
pressure and poor water quality.
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Oysters and Aquatic Reef Construction
Bay Program partners are constructing underwater
reefs to provide habitat for oysters and the
other animals and plants that rely on these reefs
for their survival.
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Forest Acreage Declining
Forests provide critical habitat and help prevent
pollutants and sediment from reaching the Bay and
rivers. About 59 of the Bay basin is currently
forested. The forest that regrew from the 19th to
the mid-20th centuries is steadily declining.
Current losses represent permanent conversions.
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Forest Conservation
Many efforts to conserve existing forest have
involved responsible management and stewardship.
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Wetlands
Wetlands are vital habitats for many plants and
animals. Wetlands directly benefit people by
improving water quality, reducing flood and storm
damages, minimizing erosion and supporting
tourism and the hunting and fishing industries.
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Wetlands Protection
Protecting our remaining wetlands is vital to
restoringthe Bay ecosystem.
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Patterns of Land Use and Consumption of Natural
Resources Threaten Our Progress
Areas of Highest Development Pressure in the
Watershed
Impervious Cover
Since 1950, the Bay watersheds population has
doubled to about 16 million people. As the
population of the watershed grows, so does our
footprint on the landscape. In the past decade,
population increased by about 8 percent, while
the amount of impervious surface increased by 41
percent, representing an area five times the size
of the nations capital. Managing future growth
will be critical to preserving gains made during
the first two decades of Bay restoration efforts.
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State and local governmentsplay an important
role inland use planning and development in
theChesapeake Bay region.
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Stormwater Runoff
As more and more of the watershed is developed,
vegetated lands, such as forests, wetlands and
farmland are converted to roads, parking lots,
rooftops and other "impervious" surfaces.
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River Flow into Chesapeake Bay
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Water Clarity Improvements Needed in Key Habitat
Areas
Water clarity is critical to the health of
underwater grasses that provide important habitat
for many Bay animals. Water clarity is a measure
of the amount of sunlight that penetrates the
Bays waters and reaches the surface of
underwater Bay grass leaves. The amount needed is
determined by the specific underwater grasses
which grow in different areas of the
Bay. Increases in sediment and nutrient
concentrations in the water lead to declines in
water clarity.
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Pfiesteria piscicidais a toxic
dinoflagellatethat has been associated with fish
lesions and fish killsin the coastal waters from
Delaware to North Carolina, including Chesapeake
Bay.
Flagellated Form Photo courtesy of the Aquatic
Botany Laboratory, North Carolina State University
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What Can You Doto Help Restore the Bay and its
Rivers?
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Conserve electricity and water and reduce the
amount of miles you drive.
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Use safer, nontoxic alternatives for cleaningand
for controlling pests and weeds.
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Properly dispose of household hazardous waste,
antifreeze, oil and boat waste.
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Prevent pollution byreducing, reusing and
recycling.
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Prevent pollution from entering the Bay and
rivers by planting trees, especially along
streams and shorelines.
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Plant native vegetationthat requires the use of
less(or no) fertilizer, pesticides and water.
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Limit fertilizer useand apply at appropriate
times.
Have your soil tested and ask for recommendations
for the best time and amount of fertilizer to
apply for your particular landscaping needs.
Never apply more than is needed.
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Start a compost pile
If you have room, start a compost pile in your
backyard. By using a compost pile instead of a
garbage disposal, you will reduce your nutrient
inputs to the watershed.
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Maintain Your Septic System!
If you have a septic system, be sure to have it
pumped out every three to five years. This will
allow your septic tank to operate efficiently.
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Be a Sediment Buster!
Be a "sediment buster"! If you suspect violations
of sediment control measures, report the
violation. Call your local Planning and Zoning
Office.
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Participate in clean up and restoration activities
Participate in clean up and restoration
activities.
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Volunteer to Help Plant Beach and Marsh Grasses!
Volunteer to help plant beach and marsh grasses.
This will not only help reduce erosion, but also
help reduce nutrient and toxic inputs to the
watershed. Beach and marsh grasses also provide
beneficial habitat for many creatures that live
in the watershed.
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Avoid disturbing shallow water areasand Bay
grass beds
Observe posted speed limits and be responsible
for your wake. This will help prevent erosion
and habitat destruction. Avoid disturbing shallow
water areas and Bay grass beds.
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Get involved in community groups and watershed
organizations to develop and implement watershed
management plans and pollution reduction plans.
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Get involved with citizen monitoring efforts that
track progress in the Bay cleanup.
Bernie Fowler's Sneaker Index
Former MD state senator Bernie Fowler wades into
the Patuxent River every year to test
improvements in water clarity.
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Chesapeake Bay Needs YOU!
The Chesapeake Bay needs you!