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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Brian Young/CBF Staff
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
Chemical contaminants in water do not break down easily and persist in the environment for many years, impacting not just fish and birds, but humans as well.
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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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John Surrick/CBF Staff
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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Susan Hale
Economy and Human Health
From providing an important source of drinking water to supporting a seafood industry that sustains families and generations-old ways of life, the Chesapeake Bay watershed is an integral part to the human health and wealth of more than 18 million people.
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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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Dave Harp
Habitat Loss
Habitat loss is the biggest threat to the 3,600 species that call the Chesapeake Bay watershed home
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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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iStock/Phototreat
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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Scott Suriano
Water Quality Trading
Water quality trading can supply cost-effective pollution reductions to meet water quality goals.
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Morgan Heim/iLCP
Wetlands Protection
Wetlands are a critical component to the protection and restoration of the Chesapeake Bay.
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