Chesapeake Bay Program - A Watershed Partnership

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Animals and Plants

The Chesapeake Bay watershed is home to thousands of species of plants and animals. From the fish that swim in the Bay's waters to the deer that live in the watershed's upper reaches, each species fills a distinct role our ecosystem.

Some of the better-known inhabitants of the Bay watershed include blue crabs, oysters, striped bass and bald eagles. But the Chesapeake region is home to a multitude of other animals, including frogs, beavers, ducks, clams and jellyfish.

Sections

Fish

About 350 species of fish are known to live in the Chesapeake Bay. Learn what types of fish live here and how fish are important to the Bay.

Crabs & Shellfish

Dozens of species of crabs and shellfish live in the Chesapeake Bay. Learn about the mollusks and arthropods that call the Bay their home.

Birds

Learn about different types of birds that live in the Chesapeake Bay region, including eagles, ospreys, herons and waterfowl.

Bay Grasses

Underwater bay grasses, or submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV), are an excellent measure of the Chesapeake Bay's health. Learn how these underwater grasses are important to the Bay.

Lower Food Web

Learn about the Chesapeake Bay's lower food web, which includes the benthic (bottom-dwelling plants and animals) and planktonic (tiny, free-floating plants and animals) communities.

Mammals

Learn about the mammals that live in the Chesapeake Bay region, including deer, muskrats, foxes and dolphins.

Reptiles & Amphibians

Learn about the different types of reptiles and amphibians that live in the Chesapeake Bay region, including snakes, turtles, frogs and salamanders.