A major new study by the Virginia Institute of Marine Science shows a clear link between underwater bay grass abundance and levels of nitrogen in Chesapeake Bay waters. The study, which compared water quality and coverage of underwater grasses throughout the Bay from 1984 to 2006, found that when nitrogen levels rise, grass coverage decreases, and when nitrogen levels fall, grass beds expand. (Learn more)
Related links: Underwater Bay Grasses (SAV)
“What are you doing to help the Chesapeake Bay on a local level?”
Related links: Find a Watershed Group
From the BayBlog: Buying local food is all the rage right now, but how does it help the Chesapeake Bay? Learn how spending time at your nearest farmers market can help reduce pollution to the Bay, support the local economy and keep an important part of the Chesapeake's heritage alive. (Learn More)
Related links: Buy Local Challenge | Help the Bay
Beds of underwater grasses, or SAV, in the lower Chesapeake Bay appear to be similar to or larger than those observed in 2009, according to a mid-season monitoring update by the Virginia Institute of Marine Science. Read about scientists' observations of bay grasses in the Virginia portion of the Bay so far this summer. (Learn more)
The 2010 Chesapeake Bay Blue Crab Advisory Report, recently released by the Chesapeake Bay Stock Assessment Committee, notes that the Chesapeake Bay’s blue crabs appear to be making a comeback, but recommends that the jurisdictions that manage the blue crab fishery continue to keep conservation measures in place. (Learn more)
Related links: Bay Barometer: Blue Crab Abundance (Adults)
From the BayBlog: Sea nettles are the most abundant jellyfish in the Chesapeake Bay and its tidal tributaries. These whitish-colored jellies soar in numbers in summer and can be a pesky (and painful) nuisance to swimmers. But thankfully, scientists can predict when and where sea nettles will be present in the Chesapeake Bay based on environmental conditions. (Learn more)
(Image courtesy JasonCT/Flickr)
From the BayBlog: On June 11, members of the Earth Conservation Corps -- a nonprofit youth development and environmental service organization located on the Anacostia River in Washington, D.C. -- got a chance to experience the Chesapeake Bay while learning about green jobs and careers. Read our blog entry to learn more about the Corps and their "good day" on the Bay. (Learn more)
Related links: Earth Conservation Corps
During the Chesapeake Bay region's hot summer months, high temperatures combined with too much nutrient pollution can cause algae to flourish. Learn more about the role weather plays in the health of the Bay.
July's Critter is often seen perched on piers, pilings and jetties along the shores of the middle and lower Bay during the summer, or diving head-first into the water to catch a fish. Do you know what it is?
With five separate water trails spanning 90 miles of Mathews County, Va., the Mathews Blueways Water Trails are the perfect way to connect with the area's natural environment, including creeks, marshes and shorelines.
