There are many problems facing the Chesapeake Bay. The major pollutant to the Bay is excess nutrients, which come from agriculture, urban/suburban runoff, vehicle emissions and many other sources. Excess nutrients fuel the growth of algae blooms, which block sunlight that underwater bay grasses need to grow. When algae die, they are decomposed in a process that depletes the water of oxygen, which all aquatic animals need to survive. Learn more about some of the issues facing the Chesapeake Bay:
Rain, wind and temperature can have wide-ranging effects on the Bay's habitat, water quality and fish and shellfish populations. All plants and animals can adapt to periodic changes in environmental conditions. However, scientists cannot predict with certainty how the diverse Bay ecosystem will react to prolonged periods of extreme weather conditions.
