Chesapeake Bay

A Kent Island restaurant, Libbey’s Coastal Kitchen and Cocktails, partnered with an oyster habitat restoration initiative to install oyster cuffs and shell bags around old pier pilings in the Chesapeake Bay. The project, led by Niels Lindquist of Sandbar Oyster Company, aims to create new oyster reefs using cement-filled fabric cuffs and larvae-planted shells to improve the bay’s ecosystem.

Maryland lawmakers are advancing an amendment to redistricting rules to favor Democrats in all eight congressional districts. The House approved the measure, which requires three-fifths approval in both chambers and faces Republican opposition as a power grab. The amendment would remove compactness and natural boundaries requirements for congressional districts, allowing districts to cross the Chesapeake Bay.

Maryland lawmakers are advancing an amendment to allow a new congressional redistricting plan that would favor Democrats in all eight House districts. The House approved the measure, requiring Senate approval and three-fifths legislative support to send it to voters. Republicans criticize the plan as a partisan power grab, while Democrats argue it prevents court challenges by clarifying district criteria.

Maryland lawmakers are considering a constitutional amendment to enable partisan redistricting for the 2028 U.S. House elections, aiming to increase Democratic representation. Republicans have criticized the move as a power grab, while Democrats argue it aligns with recent changes to redistricting norms following a U.S. Supreme Court decision.

Maryland lawmakers are considering a constitutional amendment to enable partisan redistricting for the 2028 U.S. House elections, aiming to create districts favoring Democrats. The proposal requires voter approval and follows a 2022 judicial ruling that struck down a previous gerrymandered map targeting Rep. Andy Harris' 1st District.

Maryland lawmakers will consider a constitutional amendment to adjust congressional district boundaries in a partisan manner, aiming to secure an additional U.S. House seat for Democrats by 2028. The proposal requires voter approval after legislative approval and follows a previous redistricting attempt that was ruled unconstitutional in 2022. Republicans have criticized the move as a power grab.

Maryland lawmakers will consider a constitutional amendment to adjust redistricting parameters, aiming to create congressional maps favorable to Democrats by 2028. The proposal requires voter approval and follows a 2022 court ruling that struck down earlier gerrymandered districts. Republicans criticize the move as a power grab.

Virginia crabbers are assisting in mapping the Chesapeake Bay's seafloor through sonar-equipped boats provided by VIMS and NOAA. The initiative involves scanning the seafloor to create detailed maps.

The beach beetles, a threatened species, are disappearing from Virginia's shorelines due to habitat loss caused by beach erosion around the Chesapeake Bay.

New state funding of $2 million over two years will support a study of menhaden population in the Chesapeake Bay, led by the Virginia Institute of Marine Science and the Virginia Marine Resources Commission. The study aims to establish scientifically based catch limits, following years of legislative efforts and concerns from conservation groups about declining menhaden affecting species like striped bass and osprey.

Virginia lawmakers have allocated $2 million over two years to fund a state study on the menhaden population in the Chesapeake Bay, led by the Virginia Institute of Marine Science and the Virginia Marine Resources Commission. The study aims to inform conservation standards and catch limits for the fish, which sustain species like striped bass and osprey, amid concerns from conservation groups and opposition from Ocean Harvesters, the only Bay-based reduction fishery.

Virginia's budget has allocated funds for research on menhaden in the Chesapeake Bay. The research aims to provide accurate data critical to managing the controversial fishery.

The Chesapeake Bay, shaped by rivers, wildlife, watermen, farms, and communities, is explored in a documentary that examines its decline, challenges, and restoration efforts. The film combines science, history, and personal stories to highlight the estuary's importance and the work to preserve it.

100,000 tons of rubble from the HRBT expansion will be used to create artificial reefs in the Chesapeake Bay. Dismantled materials are transported via barge and placed on the bay floor several miles offshore.

Three Virginia Beach fishermen rescued a 700-pound Leatherback turtle from a tangle of crab pot buoys in the Chesapeake Bay. The turtle was entangled, and the fishermen helped free it.

Rising fuel prices are influencing summer boating plans in the U.S., with gas and diesel costs up significantly compared to last year. Boaters are adjusting their behavior, such as reducing travel distances or opting for cheaper fuel alternatives, while organizations like the National Marine Manufacturers Association report changes in consumer behavior due to financial pressures.

Rising fuel prices are influencing U.S. boaters' summer plans as ethanol-free and diesel costs surge, with some opting to reduce travel distances or limit fuel purchases. The National Marine Manufacturers Association notes that while most boaters still plan to go out this year, higher costs are prompting changes in behavior, such as shorter trips and more time spent anchored.

The Chesapeake Bay's juvenile blue crab population increased to 228 million in 2026, offering hope after a five-year decline, but adult female crab numbers dropped to 81 million. Researchers note uncertainty about whether the juvenile rise will translate to a robust population later in the year.