Bay Cam
This penthouse overlooking CBF's Philip Merrill Environmental Center headquarters and the beautiful Bay has housed both geese and osprey over the years. Tune in and take a Zen break—if nothing else, enjoy those calming Bay waters in the background.
Bay Facts
The Chesapeake Bay is the largest estuary in the United States and its watershed is truly an extraordinary place. Here is sampling of some of the impressive facts and numbers about our wondrous Bay and watershed.
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Bay Stories
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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.
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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.
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Oyster Advocates Fight for Better Aquaculture Lease Process
March 15, 2023
A delegation of environmental advocates, aquaculture operators, and scientists met with legislators to support important aquaculture bills being considered in the Maryland General Assembly.
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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.
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Bay Videos
We're bringing you out on the water and beyond with compelling stories and helpful tips about Bay life and the current challenges facing it.
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The Chesapeake Bay Blue Crab: Predators and Prey
15 Sep 2022 00:01:58 -
Who Lives on an Oyster Reef?
22 Jun 2022 00:01:30Oyster reefs create vital habitat for more than 300 species of Chesapeake Bay critters. Meet 10 of our favorites in this animated video.
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Headwater Streams: Protecting Where Rivers Begin
11 May 2022 0:03:35 -
Oyster Restoration Success in the City
15 Mar 2022 00:02:14Norfolk’s Lafayette River was once polluted, but thanks to work by CBF, the Elizabeth River Project, and other partners, the river is now better known for successful oyster restoration.
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Chesapeake Almanac Podcast

Chesapeake Bay Foundation
Take a week-by-week trip around the Chesapeake. Naturalist John Page Williams' fascinating seasonal natural history will enable those who love the Chesapeake to tune in to life around the Bay. What will you discover?
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Webinars
From freshwater mussels to microplastics, CBF's webinars serve up timely, science-based explorations into Bay topics that will delight and inform. Browse our archive and find out what's coming up.
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Ask an Expert Series
How does the Chesapeake Bay's amazing natural system work? And how can we restore and protect it? Explore the answers with our CBF experts in this bite-sized video series.
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Ask an Expert: What's the Bay's Shad and Herring Migration?
22 Apr 2020 Episode 7 | 00:02:40Where do shad and herring lay their eggs after migrating from the ocean? Chris Moore, CBF's Senior Regional Ecosystem Scientist, explores the remarkable spring shad and herring migration.
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Ask an Expert: Why are Trees VIPs (Very Important Plants)?
14 Apr 2020 Episode 6 | 00:04:53How do trees battle climate change? Can trees reduce flooding? And how do trees lead to healthier rivers and streams? Join Harry Campbell, CBF's Science Policy and Advocacy Director in Pennsylvania, as he explores why trees are VIPs (Very Important Plants).
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Ask an Expert: Why Do Ospreys and Eagles Come to the Bay?
09 Apr 2020 Episode 5 | 00:05:32Why do ospreys return to the Bay and its rivers every spring? How do they use aerodynamics while fishing? Can you tell a juvenile bald eagle from an adult? Retired Senior Naturalist John Page Williams explores the habits of these wonderful watershed birds.
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On the Water Resources
There are dozens of ways to experience the Chesapeake Bay and its rivers. From mobile apps to websites and maps, here's our selection of resources to help you get out on the Bay and its tributaries, paddle historic water trails, plan an excursion through history across the watershed, and even find healthy beaches.
Interactive Activities
Coloring Pages
Local artist David Scheirer has transformed his extraordinary art into coloring pages for you and your family to enjoy.
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Chesapeake Bay Crossword Puzzle
Test your Chesapeake Bay knowledge with our newest activity: a Chesapeake Bay crossword puzzle.
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Oyster Quiz
You may know a healthy Chesapeake Bay depends on water-filtering oysters. But what else do you know about the Bay's favorite bivalve? Take the popular oyster quiz to find out!
Take the Quiz
Bay Footprint Calculator
Use this fun and handy tool to identify ways your lifestyle adds pollution to the Bay and what you can do to reduce it.
Find Your Footprint
Bay Backgrounds

Photo credits from left: Glenn Woodell, William Mish, Edward Episcopo, Billy Garrett.
Bring the Bay to your next virtual meeting with one of our stunning Bay backgrounds.
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