News

Shaped by a Salamander

April 23, 2024

Five years after their triumphant campaign to crown the Eastern hellbender as Pennsylvania’s state amphibian, former CBF student leaders are taking on the world of conservation, education, and law.
Original ‘Hellbender Defenders’ Celebrate 5-Year Anniversary of Pennsylvania’s Official State Amphibian

April 18, 2024

Five years ago this month and clad in a blue “HELLBENDER DEFENDER” t-shirt, Governor Tom Wolf signed legislation designating the Eastern hellbender as Pennsylvania’s official state amphibian.
Virginia Oyster Shell Recycling Marks Record Increase

April 3, 2024

The Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s oyster shell recycling across the state of Virginia marked a record increase in the number of shells recycled in 2023, a significant gain with benefits for oyster restoration efforts, wild oyster fisheries, and aquaculture operations.
CBF Takes Legal Action to Stop York County Hydroelectric Facility

March 25, 2024

The Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) has taken legal action to stop a 1,000-acre pumped-storage hydroelectric facility proposed for Cuffs Run, near the Susquehanna River in York County.
Chesapeake Oyster Recovery Key to Climate Resilience, Community Vitality, and the Bay’s Future, New CBF Report Says

February 15, 2024

With Chesapeake Bay oyster recovery at a crucial point, building on current momentum will increase resiliency to climate change in the region while creating multiple benefits for people and the environment, according to a new report released today by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation.
ASMFC Approves New Striped Bass Fisheries Plan for East Coast

January 25, 2024

Aiming to rebuild the East Coast’s striped bass population, an Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) panel yesterday approved an update to its fisheries management plan.
Chesapeake Oyster Alliance Announces 2024 Oyster Innovation Awardees

January 9, 2024

To promote oyster aquaculture, outreach, and research in Maryland and Virginia, the Chesapeake Oyster Alliance (COA) will award 15 organizations a total of $140,000 for this year's Oyster Innovation Awards.
CBF Supports Maryland DNR’s Emergency Regulations for Striped Bass

November 29, 2023

Today, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced new striped bass emergency regulations to help bolster the species’ struggling population.
CBF Statement on 2023 Chesapeake Bay Dead Zone

November 28, 2023

The dead zone in the Chesapeake Bay this year is the smallest since monitoring began in 1985, according to data released today by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Old Dominion University, and Virginia Institute of Marine Science.
Back from the Edge

November 2, 2023

For 50 years, the Endangered Species Act has had remarkable success, saving 99 percent of the species on its list. While some species have tragically been lost forever, these three Chesapeake comeback stories give us hope.
Organizations Create 3D Models of Imperiled Freshwater Mussels

August 22, 2023

Scientists and imaging specialists will help save freshwater mussels, one of the most endangered classes of organisms, using 3D imaging technology.
Quest to Save the Bog Turtle

August 10, 2023

Much like brook trout and the Eastern hellbender, bog turtles are an indicator species of water quality. Follow some official surveyors on their quest to research this tiny reptile.
Save the Bay News: Restoration, Wetlands, and Saving Striped Bass

June 29, 2023

Progress toward clean water includes the need for a greater focus on the Bay's 'living resources,' such as blue crabs and striped bass, as well as placing more emphasis on the places and pollution that most affect the Bay's human communities.
Many Questions Remain for Blue Crab Outlook

March 22, 2023

The season for catching Chesapeake Bay blue crabs is already underway in Virginia, and recreational crabbing will officially kick off in Maryland on April 1. Several boats have been plying the waters the past several months, however, to pursue the crustaceans not for steaming but for science.
A Trout’s Journey: Behind the Scenes of Pennsylvania’s Fish Hatcheries

March 16, 2023

Getting 3.2 million hatchery-raised trout into waterways, as well as sustaining wild trout populations, is a critical part of the worldclass fishing for which Pennsylvania’s mountain streams are renowned. Both require good water, and lots of it.
Fisheries Win in Virginia’s Legislative Session

March 9, 2023

Last month, Virginia wrapped up its legislative session and with it came big wins for the Chesapeake Bay’s fisheries. Read more about the strides made to control blue catfish and protect oysters, blue crabs, and menhaden.
Clean Water Advocacy: December 2022 Update

December 29, 2022

Though a slower season for advocacy, the past three months saw some important developments on clean water issues across the watershed.
Fall Birding on Island Time

September 13, 2022

CBF Educator Shayla Keller shares her love of birding on the Chesapeake and tips to enjoy the fall migratory season.
Virginia Governor Signs Budget with Historic Clean Water Investments

June 22, 2022

Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin yesterday signed a two-year state budget that provides historic levels of investment in in farm conservation practices and other programs to restore the Chesapeake Bay and its rivers and streams.
Virginia Legislators Approve Extraordinary Clean Water Investments

June 1, 2022

Virginia legislators in the General Assembly today approved a budget to fund the state government over the next two years that provides historic levels of investment in programs to restore the Chesapeake Bay and its rivers and streams.
A Symbol for Pennsylvania

May 16, 2022

The largest salamanders in North America were plentiful in the Bay watershed decades ago. Today, with their populations teetering and habitat facing multiple threats, the Eastern hellbender is still as charismatic and ugly a critter as ever.
Five Facts You Didn’t Know About Beavers

April 7, 2022

These toothy, big-tailed creatures are some of the Chesapeake’s best Bay savers.
Forest Fish

March 9, 2022

CBF's Brian Gish has a plan to restore habitat for brook trout in Pennsylvania.
Saving the Striper

March 4, 2022

Conservation brought striped bass back from the brink. Now, these big, beloved fish are vulnerable once again.
Resilient Return

March 2, 2022

Resurgence of Atlantic sturgeon in the Chesapeake Bay is reason to continue pollution-reduction efforts.