Within the Chesapeake Bay watershed, five major rivers — the Susquehanna, Potomac, Rappahannock, York and James — provide almost 90 percent of the fresh water to the Bay. These and other rivers, along with the hundreds of thousands of creeks and streams that feed them, provide vital habitat for many aquatic species. The streams and rivers that flow into the Bay are also called tributaries.
The Chesapeake Bay watershed's streams and rivers are home to a diverse population of fish, invertebrates, amphibians and other types of wildlife.
A number of organizations use letter grades to track the health of the Chesapeake Bay and its rivers.
Scientists are learning more about largemouth bass to ensure the sustainability of the fishery.
A new analysis of an Anacostia River tributary documents the local value of restoring urban streams.
A drop in tumor rates among brown bullhead catfish could indicate lowered exposure to chemical contaminants.
Excess nutrients are making the sport fish more susceptible to infections and death.
Publication date: February 23, 2004 | Type of document: Backgrounder | Download: Electronic Version
Over the past two centuries numerous mill dams, hydroelectric dams and small blockages were constructed, which prevented fish throughout the Bay watershed from reaching their natal rivers. Migratory fish populations consequently suffered…
Publication date: November 11, 2001 | Type of document: Backgrounder | Download: Electronic Version
Riparian forests are essential interfaces between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. They intercept surface runoff, subsurface flow and deeper ground water flows for purposes of removing or buffering effects from nutrients, pesticides or…
