News

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.
Charismatic Creatures

January 26, 2022

A Pennsylvania farm owner steps up to protect bog turtles on his land.
CBF Fisheries Scientist Testifies Before Congress on Bay Science and Habitat Restoration Bills

January 20, 2022

CBF fisheries scientist Allison Colden testified in Congress today in favor of legislation to protect coastal habitats and expand scientific research and education in the Bay watershed. Colden appeared before the House Natural Resource Committee’s Waters, Oceans, and Wildlife Subcommittee to discuss two bills critical to restoring the Bay and its tributaries and bolstering the region’s resiliency to climate change.
Miniature Marvels

January 12, 2022

Lined seahorses rely on the Bay's underwater grass beds for food, shelter, and a place to breed.
Winter Leviathan

January 6, 2022

Known for their acrobatics, humpback whales sometimes venture into the Chesapeake to feed.
Unexpected Visitor Spotted in C&O Canal in Montgomery County

September 22, 2021

The tropical Wood Stork is rarely seen in Maryland, but could have been blown north by Hurricane Ida.
Five Facts You Otter Know

September 20, 2021

While we love to see them, otter sightings can be rare depending on your location in the watershed. But when you do see them, here are five interesting facts you should know about the North American river otter.
Four Surprising Facts About Chesapeake Jellyfish

August 17, 2021

Admit it—it wouldn’t be a Chesapeake summer without sea nettles. From where to watch for nettles to treating their irritating stings, here are four things to know about jellyfish.
Freshwater Mussels: Wild, Wonderful, and Waning

August 16, 2021

Carolina Slabshells, Tidewater Muckets, Green Floaters—an amazing diversity of freshwater mussels call the rivers and streams of the Bay watershed home. But we’re losing species faster than we can understand them.
Sharks: From Miocene to Modern Day

July 14, 2021

We’ve all heard about sharks in the Bay, but did you know that these apex predators have actually been living here long before us humans ever showed up?
Herons in Harrisburg

July 2, 2021

Endangered Yellow-crowned Night-Herons are finding unexpected refuge in urban neighborhoods.
Are There Sharks in the Chesapeake Bay?

August 11, 2020

Swimming and boating are two of the best activities to beat the summer heat, but could sharks be lurking just below the surface?
Oysters: How Are They Doing?

August 5, 2020

Oysters are one of the watershed's favorite bivalves. But how are they doing?
Blue Crabs: How Are They Doing?

August 3, 2020

Blue crabs are known far and wide as a symbol of the Chesapeake Bay region. But how are they doing?