Chesapeake Bay Health Scores C+ in Annual Report, Best in Decades
The Chesapeake Bay has received its highest health grade since 2002, achieving a "C+" on the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science's annual report card. The report assessed 15 regions of the bay, finding that 11 showed improved scores and five exhibited significant improving trends. Measurements included ecological, societal, and economic indicators. The report emphasized the need to accelerate restoration efforts in light of climate change.
Maryland's Department of Natural Resources Secretary Josh Kurtz commended the restoration initiatives, citing data and partnerships that have enhanced coastal resilience, stream health, and tree planting efforts. The report also noted Pennsylvania's efforts to prevent pollution from entering state waterways, although the state has faced criticism for not doing enough. The Upper Chesapeake River region, where the Susquehanna River flows in, received the second-highest score among the 16 bay regions. Additionally, researchers are developing a human-made debris indicator to identify various types of plastic contamination.
