Maryland Coastal Bays

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The Maryland Coastal Bays consist of the Isle of Wight, Assawoman, Sinepuxent, Newport and Chincoteague Bays plus the 23 creeks and tributaries that feed the bays. At 175 square miles, and on average approximately four feet deep, these coastal bays are surrounded by a year-around population of nearly 22,000 residents, swelling to 250,000 during the summer vacation season. Environmental concerns are:

excessive levels of nitrogen resulting in algal blooms that reduce oxygen levels in bay waters;
loss of natural habitats for fish, crabs, birds and other wildlife;
declines in numbers of fish, clams, crabs and other important species; and
local bacterial contamination.

Maryland Coastal Bays Foundation - The Foundation, a nonprofit organization, administers the Maryland Coastal Bays Program's implementation and outreach efforts. The Maryland Coastal Bays Program is a partnership among the towns of Ocean City and Berlin; the National Park Service; Worcester County; the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; and the Maryland Departments of Natural Resources, Agriculture, Environment, and Planning.

EPA Mid-Atlantic Contact:
Ann Campbell (campbell.ann@epa.gov)

Maryland Coastal Bays - National Estuary Program

National Estuary Program Coastal Condition Report - Maryland Coastal Bays (PDF) (15 pp, 1.8MB, About PDF)

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Maryland Coastal Bays

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