Maryland Update

StripedBass-rockfish-closeup-BlairSeltzCBFStaff_1171x593

Striped bass, also called rockfish, are an iconic sport fish of the Chesapeake Bay.

Blair M. Seltz/CBF Staff

From the Desk of Allison Colden

Winter 2023

CBF Adult Education Program Comes to Baltimore and Southern Maryland

This fall, CBF held two courses in Maryland as part of our larger Volunteers as Chesapeake Stewards (VoiCeS) program. The courses engaged participants in Baltimore City and Southern Maryland on Bay issues including fisheries, pollution management, how to be an effective advocate, and more.

VoiCeS is a way to reach out to local volunteers and their communities and create a deeper understanding of the Bay and the efforts to restore it. It is CBF's most in-depth adult education program available to our members and the public.

Stiped Bass Survey Results Cause Concern

For the fifth consecutive year, juvenile striped bass numbers remained far below average in Maryland with the 2023 index of 1.0 less than ten percent of the long-term average of 11.3. This year's result is the second lowest since 1957.

Low numbers of young fish now mean in the future there will be fewer of the large fish prized by anglers and important for reproduction of the species. Which is why the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) announced in October an update to the striped bass fishery management plan, called Addendum II, for public comment. CBF encouraged members to submit comments during the public comment period.

In the summer, warm water temperatures and low oxygen levels dramatically increase stress on striped bass, rendering shallow, estuarine nursery habitats, like the Chesapeake Bay less hospitable. Climate change is making this problem worse. Strong fishery management across all fishery sectors will be critical to restoring the population of this iconic fish.

CBF Appeals Court Decision Regarding Lakeside at Trappe

In September, CBF filed an appeal to the Appellate Court of Maryland following the dismissal of our challenge to the Maryland Department of the Environment's (MDE) wastewater treatment permit for the Lakeside at Trappe development.

MDE's Discharge Permit for the Trappe East Wastewater Facility allows the use of spray irrigation to discharge 100,000 gallons of treated wastewater per day onto Talbot County farm fields.

MDE contends that spray irrigation of effluent from the Trappe development will effectively result in "zero net discharge" of nitrogen and phosphorus pollution to local waterways. However, studies of spray irrigation systems show that some of the pollutants will seep through the ground to the groundwater where they will eventually make their way to surface waters (rivers, creeks, and wetlands). The nearby Lower Choptank River is already impaired and would be further impacted by this discharge.

—Allison Colden
Maryland Executive Director
Chesapeake Bay Foundation

The Bay Needs You

The State of the Bay Report makes it clear that the Bay needs our support now more than ever. Your donation helps the Chesapeake Bay Foundation maintain our momentum toward a restored Bay, rivers, and streams for today and generations to come.

Donate Today

Volunteer

Do you enjoy working with others to help clean the Chesapeake Bay? Do you have a few hours to spare? Whether growing oysters, planting trees, or advocating for a clean Bay, there are plenty of ways you can contribute.

Volunteer
x
This website uses cookies to tailor and enhance your online experience. By continuing, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. For more information, including details on how to disable cookies, please visit our Privacy Policy. Close