Chesapeake Bay Foundation: Better Than Predicted Water Quality In The Bay

Dr. Beth McGee, Chesapeake Bay Foundation Director of Science and Agricultural Policy, issued this statement Tuesday following release of results from the Early August Hypoxia Report which found areas with low dissolved oxygen to be "much better than average" during the early August cruise in Maryland waters.

Scientists had predicted the dead zone would be slightly larger than average this summer.

If the trend continues, it will be the third year in a row that scientists have found no anoxic conditions, something that hasn't happened since water quality monitoring began in 1985.

Dr. McGee said-- "This is good news, and another sign that the Bay may be becoming more resilient. Last year's record acreage of Bay grasses, improving oyster populations, and a smaller dead zone all indicate the Clean Water Blueprint is working.

“Progress will only continue with increased efforts from the Bay states, and EPA's full participation.

“As Chairman of the Chesapeake Bay Program's Executive Council, [Maryland] Gov. Hogan's leadership is critical to ensure that Bay restoration efforts are on track to meet the pollution-reduction goals.

"All the cruises this summer have found no anoxic conditions, areas of the bay with virtually no oxygen. That is important because having some oxygen present prevents pollution on the Bay floor from recycling back into the water column.

"If the trend continues, it will be the third year in a row that scientists have found no anoxic conditions, something that hasn't happened since water quality monitoring began in 1985."

Information on Bay-related cleanup activities in Pennsylvania watersheds can be found on DEP’s Chesapeake Bay Office webpage.

There is a meeting of Pennsylvania’s Chesapeake Bay Watershed Implementation Plan Steering Committee on Thursday, August 24 from 1:00 to 4:00 that can be attended in person by going to the Department of Agriculture Building, 2301 N. Cameron Street in Harrisburg or by webinar.   Click Here to register to join the event by webinar.

For more on Chesapeake Bay-related issues in Pennsylvania, visit the Chesapeake Bay Foundation-PA webpage.  Click Here to sign up for Pennsylvania updates (bottom of left column).  Click Here to support their work.