Restoration and Protection Efforts

The Bay Program partnership implements and tracks progress toward goals to reduce pollution, restore habitats, manage fisheries, protect watersheds and foster stewardship.

Reducing Pollution

In December 2010, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) established a “pollution diet” known as the Chesapeake Bay Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL). This “diet” sets limits on the amount of nitrogen, phosphorus and sediment that will be allowed to flow into the Bay each year. As part of this cleanup process, Bay Program partners are implementing and refining plans to reduce these pollutants over time.

• Reducing Nitrogen Pollution
• Reducing Phosphorus Pollution
• Reducing Sediment Pollution

Restoring Habitats

The restoration of critical wildlife habitats is an important component to a healthy Bay ecosystem.

• Restoring Wetlands
• Reopening Fish Passage
• Restoring Oyster Reefs

Managing Fisheries

The Chesapeake Bay fishing industry holds tremendous commercial, cultural and historic value. Managing the fisheries for blue crabs, oysters, striped bass, shad and menhaden is also critical to restoring and protecting the population of these species and their important place in the ecosystem.

• Atlantic Menhaden Fishery Management
• Blue Crab Fishery Management 
• Striped Bass Fishery Management

Protecting Watersheds

The Bay region consists of thousands of local waterways. The health of these local streams and creeks depends on how the land around them is used, protected or preserved.

• Planting Forest Buffers
• Protected Land

Fostering Stewardship

Programs that foster public stewardship include education and interpretation for students (of all ages), increasing public access, and expanding actions by citizens and communities.

• Public Access
• Education and Interpretation (Meaningful Watershed Educational Experiences)