The Issues
Home to more than 18 million people and 3,600 species of plants and animals, the Chesapeake Bay watershed is a vast, rich, and complex system. And the issues it faces, from polluted runoff to dead zones, are equally complex. Learn more below.
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NRCS
Agriculture
What role do farms and agricultural production play in the health of our waters?
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BlairPhotoEVV
Air Pollution
Learn more about air pollution and how it affects the Chesapeake Bay each year, home to more than 3,600 plants and animals.
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Krista Schlyer/iLCP
Chemical Contamination
Toxic chemicals are entering our waters everyday. What can we do about them?
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Troy Wenger
Climate Change
How are warmer waters and temperatures experienced across the globe impacting the Chesapeake Bay?
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Dave Harp
Dead Zones
Learn more about the Chesapeake Bay dead zone, what causes dead zones, and how dead zones affect plants, animals, and humans in the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
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Rob Beach/CBF Staff
Environmental Justice
Clean water, clean air, and a safe environment are rights we all share. Here are just a few of the ways CBF is working to ensure that everyone has equal access to clean water, clean air, and a safe environment.
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John Surrick/CBF Staff
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Justin Black/iLCP
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Jay Fleming/iLCP
Habitat Degradation
Rebuilding healthy and resilient habitat for all Bay critters is a key to saving the Chesapeake.
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Garth Lenz/iLCP
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Natural Gas
Safeguarding our lands and waters from the effects of natural gas drilling is imperative.
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Emmy Nicklin/CBF Staff
Offshore Drilling
Beneath the seabeds just off our nation’s shores are rock formations that may contain petroleum. Oil and gas companies have been calling for an increase in offshore drilling to tap into these potential reserves. However, is it worth it? (Spoiler: No. Here’s why.)
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Krista Schlyer/iLCP
Runoff Pollution
Learn why runoff pollution is one of the most harmful sources of pollution and what we can do to help the Chesapeake Bay, home to more than 3,600 plants and animals.
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City of Easton
Sewage & Septic Systems
Upgrading wastewater treatment is critical to cleaning up the Bay and its rivers and streams.
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Karine Aigner/iLCP
Wetlands Protection
Wetlands are a critical component to the protection and restoration of the Bay.
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Karine Aigner/iLCP
What We Have to Lose
The Chesapeake Bay watershed is an integral part of the health and wealth of millions of people.
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Scott Suriano
Water Quality Trading
Water quality trading can supply cost-effective pollution reductions to meet water quality goals.
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