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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Agriculture
What role do farms and agricultural production play in the health of our waters?Read More
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Air Pollution
The close link between the health of our air and the health of our waters.Read More
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Chemical Contamination
Toxic chemicals are entering our waters everyday. What can we do about them?Read More
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Climate Change
How warmer waters and temps experienced across the globe are impacting us on a local level?Read More
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Dead Zones
What are they and what can we do about them?Read More
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Fisheries
Menhaden, striped bass, shad, blue crabs, and oysters are fundamental to the Bay and its waters.Read More
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Forest Loss
To save the Bay, forests need to flourish throughout the watershed.Read More
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Habitat Degradation
Rebuilding healthy and resilient habitat for all Bay critters is a key to saving the Chesapeake.Read More
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Land Use
When the watershed's land suffers from pollution and poor management, so too does the water.Read More
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Natural Gas
Safeguarding our lands and waters from the effects of natural gas drilling is imperative.Read More
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Offshore Drilling
Drilling offshore poses unjustifiable risks to the Bay, its living resources, tourism economy,...Read More
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Nutrient Trading
Nutrient trading is a way for farmers, foresters, businesses and other facilities to reduce...Read More
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Polluted Runoff
Polluted runoff is one of the most harmful sources of pollution to the Bay and its waters.Read More
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Sewage & Septic Systems
Upgrading wastewater treatment is critical to cleaning up the Bay and its rivers and streams.Read More
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Wetlands Protection
Wetlands are a critical component to the protection and restoration of the Bay.Read More
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What We Have to Lose
The Chesapeake Bay watershed is an integral part of the health and wealth of millions of people.Read More
