SAVE THE BAY

If you need proof that the Chesapeake Bay watershed is at a pivotal moment, this month's headlines provide it. Just yesterday the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission reviewed the concerning findings of an updated stock assessment for striped bass coastwide, a week after annual surveys in Maryland and Virginia offered a bleak outlook for young striped bass in the Bay. There is also evidence of trouble for young blue crabs, part of an ongoing mystery surrounding the Bay's blue crab population. Yet there is plenty of good news, too. Virginia reversed course on reopening the winter harvest for blue crabs, a controversial move that had invited public backlash. Maryland identified three new rivers for large-scale oyster restoration, while a proposed federal bill would provide more support for oyster recovery. And in Pennsylvania, new grant funding will help expand CBF's forested buffer work on agricultural land in 12 counties, improving water quality and fish and wildlife habitat. These stories showcase how progress is possible when resource managers, local communities, volunteers, restoration groups, and decisionmakers work together to solve problems—a key part of what has made the unique, 40-year Chesapeake Bay restoration partnership so successful. The question now is: Can the partnership reinvent itself to meet the challenges of restoration in the 21st century? Also this month, find updates from around the Bay in the fall issue of our Save the Bay magazine; resources to help acknowledge the original stewards of our watershed; and ways to stay cozy this fall.

Managers to consider further conservation action for striped bass: After reviewing results from a new stock assessment update, the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission voted to reconvene in December for a special meeting to consider additional action.

As osprey populations struggle, managers continue deliberations on Chesapeake Bay menhaden: Following reports of osprey chicks starving, a workgroup tackling the issue gave its first report to the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission.

Virginia regulators reverse course, keep ban on winter blue crab season: The vote by the Virginia Marine Resources Commission ends the prospect of reopening the upcoming winter season and comes after months of criticism within Virginia and Maryland on VMRC's previous decision to lift the restriction on winter harvest.

Young striped bass continue years-long struggle in Chesapeake Bay: Results of the annual surveys for juvenile fish in Maryland and Virginia waters foretell a bleak future, with both state indexes falling far below the long-term average.

CBF to strengthen and expand streamside buffer efforts in Pennsylvania: A $500,000 grant to CBF will help improve water quality and fish and wildlife habitat by supporting forested riparian buffers on agricultural lands, prioritizing projects in 12 counties across Pennsylvania.

Maryland commits to additional large-scale oyster restoration: The state Department of Natural Resources announced it will target three new tributaries for large-scale restoration, including Hooper Strait and the Nanticoke River near Dorchester County and Herring Bay in southern Anne Arundel County.

Living shoreline project to protect Hampton City shoreline: More than 100 volunteers joined CBF and the City of Hampton to complete a living shoreline at Bluebird Gap Farm that will enhance native habitats, stabilize shorelines, and boost climate resiliency.

Bipartisan House bill would dedicate funds to essential oyster recovery work: Reps. Jen Kiggans (R-VA) and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) have introduced legislation to create a competitive grant program to support restoring and protecting oyster reefs.

New plans in the works for cleaner streams in Lancaster and Centre Counties in PA: CBF, local residents, and other conservation organizations will work together to create watershed management plans for streams in the Conejohela Flats and Little Fishing Creek areas.

Maryland farmers demonstrate regenerative agriculture for state leaders: The event, coordinated by CBF and Mobilize Frederick, highlighted the benefits of regenerative practices for both local farmers and the environment.

Shop the CBF Store

What You Can Do