Conservation officials highlight improvements, needs in Chesapeake Bay restoration

MARYLAND – Tuesday, Governor Larry Hogan renewed Maryland’s commitment to continuing efforts to restore the health of the Chesapeake Bay. This comes with a meeting between the Environmental Protection Agency and the Chesapeake Executive Council.

“With 2025 quickly approaching, this discussion really is very relevant. It’s important that we achieve our goals for the near term while still keeping our eyes on the long term,” said Gov. Hogan.

Looking Back

Dr. Kandis Boyd, Director of the Chesapeake Bay Program Office, says over the last 30 years, significant improvements have been made across the board.

“When you stop to compare pollution reduction from 1985 to now, it is clear that so many positive changes have been made, despite the increase in population and emerging threats,” said Dr. Boyd. “The percent of the overall Bay meeting water quality standards has been decreasing since 2017. But, in many of our tributaries, the water quality has increased.”

Improvements in water quality in the Bay, along with the work that still needs to be done, is demonstrated by the health of wildlife, says Dr. Boyd.

“The blue crab population took a big hit in 2022, decreasing 39% from 158 million to 97,000,” said Dr. Boyd. “Oysters, on the other hand, are going strong. IN the fall of 2021, we had one of the best wild oyster seasons in nearly 35 years.”

Ann Swanson, Executive Director Chesapeake Bay Commission, echoed that call to continue the work. She says while pollutants, like nitrogen, have decreased in the Bay by a third since 1983, future goals have not yet been met.

“Water quality is improving. Have we met all of our water quality standards? No. We’re at 29%,” said Swanson. “We need to, essentially, practice precision conservation, and we need to get this to our local governments and local decision makers so they can do things.”

Suggested Actions

Swanson says increasing the health of the Bay doesn’t stop at the shoreline. The Chesapeake Bay watershed has a 14 to 1 land to water ratio, says Swanson. She adds that while 9.2 million acres within the 41 million acre area is preserved, land conservation is at about 70% of the desired goal.

“Outdoor recreation is booming in this country. Our wildlife needs it. It also means improved water quality is protecting those forests and wetlands,” said Swanson.

Rising population and livestock and poultry numbers are contributing to pollution leaking into the bay, says Swanson. However, she adds that farmers have proven to be some of the best partners when it comes to responsible practices, and gathering feedback.

Bolstering Data Collection

Dr. Boyd stressed the importance of continually strengthening data collection and monitoring capabilities in the watershed.

“When we enhance the model with new data, and more accurate assessments of conservation practices, it can impact estimated pollution reduction,” said Dr. Boyd. “The fact of the matter is we need to make this tool as accurate as possible so we can make the most informed decisions about how we carry out our restoration planning strategy.”

More efficient and accurate data gathering can help with land conservation and sustainability efforts, ensuring access to the water, and protecting wildlife, says Dr. Boyd.

“Monitoring is necessary to ensure the tools that we use to evaluate the impacts and plans for future restoration strategies are the most accurate that they can be,” said Dr. Boyd.

Looking Ahead

Gov. Hogan promised is now promising to continue engaging with community stakeholders in the effort the restore the Bay.

“We’ve engaged stakeholders in the process through broader outreach, through diverse communities, by ensuring access to outdoor recreation, and experiences that inspire stewardship,” said Gov. Hogan.

Part of that work will include bolstering the community workforce, to ensure professionals are ready to carry out work like wastewater treatment and poultry production efficiently and responsibly.

“The good news is that our wastewater treatment plants have shown that they can work efficiently, and actually do better than what is required in their permits. But, they need a trained, professional workforce in place to operate efficiently,” said Gov. Hogan.

Dr. Boyd says working with elected officials will prove to be crucial in all areas of the issue.

“To reach a fully restored Chesapeake Bay, we need to continue working together. From our local government members, to our federal and state government partners, to our non-profit allies and advocates, it is up to us to bring more voices to the table,” said Dr. Boyd. “There are over 18 million people in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, and they all deserve access to clean water, no matter where they live, no matter what they do for a living, and no matter what their background is.”

To read the Chesapeake Bay Program’s full 2022 Bay Barometer, click here.