Everything we do on the land—from driving our cars to spreading fertilizers on farms and suburban lawns—has an impact on the Bay and our local waterways.
Population Growth |
Development |
Impervious Surfaces |
Stormwater |
Land Use |
Transportation
Nutrients, sediment and chemical contaminants that make their way to the Bay worsen water quality and stress aquatic life. Airborne nitrogen that falls onto the land can also add to pollution loads to local waterways.
Nutrients |
Sediments |
Chemical Contaminants |
Air Pollution
The Bay and its tributaries provide rich grounds for commercial and recreational catches. Overfishing, pollution and disease now threaten many fish and shellfish.
Blue Crab Harvest |
Oyster Harvest |
American Shad Harvest |
Atlantic Menhaden Harvest |
Striped Bass Harvest
There are many natural, uncontrollable pressures on the Bay. High temperatures, strong storms and inconsistent freshwater flows from rivers can all impact water quality and aquatic life.
Weather |
River Flow |
Groundwater
Invasive species are non-native animals and plants that negatively affect their new ecosystem. Over 200 known or possible invasive species exist in the Bay region.
Mute Swan |
Nutria |
Phragmites |
Purple Loosestrife |
Water Chestnut |
Zebra Mussel
Like countless other parts of the world, the Chesapeake has begun to feel some of the effects of a changing climate, such as sea level rise and increased temperatures. Other possible impacts may include lower dissolved oxygen levels, more precipitation, and changes in some species’ abundance and migration patterns.