Speak of the Chesapeake Bay and thoughts of the mighty oyster or beloved blue crab are not far away. These treasured critters are not only delectable but are critical building blocks for the health of the Bay's ecology. And this week they both received good news.
In Baltimore's Patapsco River, oysters are demonstrating their trademark resilience. A year after CBF planted an oyster reef next to Fort Carroll, recent monitoring results found most of the three million young oysters surviving and growing rapidly. Despite silt covering the oysters, the bivalves are growing vertically above the silt, providing critical habitat to a variety of marine life. In all, at least 13 different species were observed living on the new reef.
Elsewhere throughout the Bay, the Chesapeake Bay Stock Assessment Committee released its annual Blue Crab Advisory Report. While the blue crab population decreased, it is still within a healthy range, demonstrating that conservative, scientific management of the fishery is working. Improving water quality and resurging underwater grasses should also lead to positive benefits for crabs.
These positive developments show that are efforts to help restore these Bay building blocks are working, notably through the implementation of the Chesapeake Clean Water Blueprint. But we need to build on this momentum. And you can help.
Right now, thanks to a challenge grant from The Orokawa Foundation, any gift you make through June 30 will be effectively doubled. Your support will help us in all our Bay saving efforts, including planting oysters. In fact, every dollar you give can plant 200 oysters. But don't wait—give today and have your gift doubled!
This Week in the Watershed: Choptank Gardens, Charm City Oysters, and Timely Jetties
- CBF launched a new education vessel in Cape Charles, VA, the Mary P, which will bring thousands of students on the Bay for years to come. (Shore Daily News—MD)
- The Chesapeake Bay Stock Assessment Committee released its annual Blue Crab Advisory Report, finding that while the overall blue crab population decreased, it's still in a healthy range. (Shore Daily News—MD) BONUS: CBF Statement
- Oysters planted in Baltimore's Patapsco River a year ago are thriving in their new home. (Baltimore Sun—MD) BONUS: CBF Press Release
- A new jetty off Maryland's Smith Island has bought the isolated community a critical resource amidst an onslaught of sea level rise as a result of climate change—time. (Bay Journal)
- The EPA is considering issuing a ban on Lancaster County farmers from spreading manure during winter months to improve local water quality. (Lancaster Intelligencer Journal—PA)
- Dorchester County residents on Maryland's Eastern Shore have found an innovative way to reduce runoff heading into the local Choptank River—rain gardens. (Star Democrat—MD)
- Virginia's Elizabeth River has made quite the recovery since fish were collected in its waters with gross abnormalities in the 1980s. (Virginian Pilot—VA)
- A new artificial oyster reef was built off Maryland's Tilghman Island, as 170 concrete reef balls were planted by the Coastal Conservation Association and CBF. (Dorchester Banner—MD)
What's Happening Around the Watershed?
July 6
- Shady Side, MD: Break a sweat and help Save the Bay–join CBF in cleaning the "homes" of the next generation of Chesapeake Bay oysters! Help restore the Chesapeake's native oyster population by cleaning oyster shells. We'll be shaking off the dirt and debris on shells so baby oysters can successfully grow on them. This "shell shaking" event is a bit of a workout but a fun, hands-on experience. With lifting involved, it is not recommended for individuals with bad backs or other health concerns. A tour of our restoration center will follow the shell shaking. Register here!
July 7
- Easton, MD: Come on out to the final event in the Clean Water Concert Series featuring the XPDs, playing Motown, R&B, and your favorite pop hits. All concerts are free and open to the public. Learn more here!
July 19
- Virginia Beach, VA: Join us for an evening of cocktails, live music, and oysters galore with a beautiful view at CBF's Brock Environmental Center. Register here!
July 20
- Shady Side, MD: Break a sweat and help Save the Bay–join CBF in cleaning the "homes" of the next generation of Chesapeake Bay oysters! Help restore the Chesapeake's native oyster population by cleaning oyster shells. We'll be shaking off the dirt and debris on shells so baby oysters can successfully grow on them. This "shell shaking" event is a bit of a workout but a fun, hands-on experience. With lifting involved, it is not recommended for individuals with bad backs or other health concerns. A tour of our restoration center will follow the shell shaking. Register here!
July 27
- Shady Side, MD: Break a sweat and help Save the Bay–join CBF in cleaning the "homes" of the next generation of Chesapeake Bay oysters! Help restore the Chesapeake's native oyster population by cleaning oyster shells. We'll be shaking off the dirt and debris on shells so baby oysters can successfully grow on them. This "shell shaking" event is a bit of a workout but a fun, hands-on experience. With lifting involved, it is not recommended for individuals with bad backs or other health concerns. A tour of our restoration center will follow the shell shaking. Register here!
