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Chesapeake Bay Program

Explore the challenges and solutions facing the Chesapeake Bay, from excess nutrients to habitat loss. Learn about the Chesapeake Bay Program's initiatives, goals, and the importance of human involvement in conserving this vital ecosystem.

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Chesapeake Bay Program

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  1. Possibilities, Problems, and Promise Chesapeake Bay Program Presented by: Elizabeth Mills, Heather Plumridge, Elizabeth Repko

  2. Introduction to the Bay • Largest and most productive estuary in the U.S. • Provides ideal habitat for plant and animal species • Economic, recreational, and scenic benefits

  3. Threat #1: Excess Nutrients • Main culprits: phosphorus and nitrogen • Cause algal blooms and decrease in submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV)

  4. Threat #2: Excess Sedimentation • Major cause: soil erosion due to loss of wetlands and forests • This reduces water clarity and health of bay grass beds and oyster reefs

  5. Threat #3: Toxic Chemicals • Point sources: industries and waste water treatment plants • NPS: urban run off, pesticides, and air pollution

  6. Threat #4: Habitat Loss • Decline of submerged aquatic vegetation (SAVs) • Loss of habitat, such as forest and wetlands

  7. Threat #5: Overharvesting • Decline in the blue crab population, an important commercial fishery • Decline in native oyster populations which filter water contaminants.

  8. Threat #6: Invasive Species • Major culprits: nutria, mute swans, and rapa whelks • Displace native species and degrade the ecosystem

  9. The Chesapeake Bay Program • Late 1970s: First estuary targeted by federal lawmakers for restoration and protection • Chesapeake Bay Program officially started in 1983, targets living resource protection

  10. Executive Council Structure • Voluntary program, supported by federal and state funding • Strict consensus model: 100% buy-in or no programs • Goals for Bay set in agreements: 1983, 1987, 2000

  11. Year 2000 Goals • Goal #1: Living Resource Protection and Restoration • Goal #2: Vital Habitat Protection and Restoration

  12. Year 2000 Goals • Goal #3: Sound Land Use • Goal #4: Stewardship and Community Engagement

  13. Year 2000 Goals • Goal #5: Water Quality Protection and Restoration • Achieve the 40% nutrient reduction goal agreed to in 1987 • Establish “no discharge zones” in the bay

  14. Evaluation of CBP • Integrated ecosystem approach • Main problems • Humans embedded in Chesapeake Bay

  15. Extensive Data Collection and Adaptation • Data collection by academic institutional partners • Adaptation to scientific findings (ex. University of Maryland study)

  16. Monitoring Program and Positive Indications

  17. Challenges: Ecosystem Boundaries • Political boundaries rather than ecological • Management plan and finances determined by states

  18. Challenges: Interagency Cooperation • Different organizational structures and cultures • Conflicting objectives at times • Lowest common denominator

  19. Opportunities: Human Reliance on the Bay • 15.1 million people live, work, and play in the Bay • Highly valued human resource • Widespread acceptance of the Program by public and political entities

  20. Conclusion: Future of the Bay • Rising population density poses a major future threat • CBP adapts to meet new challenges • Major challenges include: organizational constraints, funding limitations, reliance on political rather than ecological boundaries • Major opportunities include: organizational history and stakeholder commitment

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