Chesapeake Bay Foundation concerned about dead zone

Posted 12/14/21

ANNAPOLIS - The Chesapeake Bay Program released its assessment of the 2021 Chesapeake Bay dead zone, finding that the overall size of the 2021 dead zone was “average.” Unfortunately, in …

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Chesapeake Bay Foundation concerned about dead zone

Posted

ANNAPOLIS - The Chesapeake Bay Program released its assessment of the 2021 Chesapeake Bay dead zone, finding that the overall size of the 2021 dead zone was “average.” Unfortunately, in this case, “average” is not a passing grade – it means that a substantial part of the Chesapeake and its tidal waters are off limits for aquatic animals due to low levels of oxygen. Even more disturbing, climate change is making conditions worse.

The Bay Program noted that as a result of increased precipitation and warmer temperatures in August and September, “the 2021 dead zone lasted longer than 89% of those recorded over the past 36 years.”

In response, Beth McGee, Chesapeake Bay Foundation director of Science and Agricultural Policy, issued this statement:

“The Bay’s dead zone causes damage to both commercial and recreational fishing, the economies and livelihoods that depend on them, as well as the quality of life of those who cherish the Bay’s aquatic health.

“This should be a wake-up call. The region is significantly behind in its efforts to reduce pollution and must also accelerate efforts to reduce and mitigate the effects of climate change.

“While the Bay states acknowledged the need to address climate change earlier this fall at the meeting of the Chesapeake Executive Council, that is not enough. The states and federal government must ramp up investments in practices that both reduce pollution and mitigate the damage from climate change.

“Fortunately, there are a variety of agricultural conservation practices that achieve both goals. Increasing investments in these practices will pay dividends both today and for future generations.

“The federal Build Back Better legislation, which has passed the House, would provide significant new conservation funding to reduce pollution and mitigate climate change. It is time for the Senate to pass that legislation as well.”

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