Archive for 'Tag Archives: 'Chesapeake Bay''

Maryland Blue Crab Population Highest in 19 Years

Maryland Blue Crab Population Highest in 19 Years

The Chesapeake Bay's blue crab population is at a 19-year high, a significant improvement from several years ago when conservation efforts were put in place.

Ban on Arsenic in Poultry Feed Inches Closer to Approval

Ban on Arsenic in Poultry Feed Inches Closer to Approval

After three years of failed attempts, efforts to pass a ban on arsenic in poultry feed used by the state's chicken farms appear close to fruition. Eastern Shore senators largely opposed SB 207, sponsored by Sen. Paul Pinsky, D-Prince George's, on the basis that it would be detrimental to the state's struggling poultry farms.

President Obama’s Budget Increases Funds for the Chesapeake Bay Program

President Obama’s Budget Increases Funds for the Chesapeake Bay Program

Though overall funding for the Environmental Protection Agency was cut in President Obama's 2013 budget, he proposed a $15 million increase for the EPA’s Chesapeake Bay Program.

DNR Sees Drastic Decline in Poaching Activity

DNR Sees Drastic Decline in Poaching Activity

Last year, the Maryland Natural Resources Police had to shut down rockfish season a month early because of serious poaching incidents, but this year, officers have, so far, encountered no illegal activity.

Call for Oyster Moratorium Fails to Sway Watermen, Officials

Call for Oyster Moratorium Fails to Sway Watermen, Officials

The Chesapeake Bay's oyster population is so low that scientists recommended a complete halt on oyster harvesting in a study published in August. But a moratorium has not gained traction among watermen and state officials.

Demolished Dam Finds New Home Helping Oysters

Demolished Dam Finds New Home Helping Oysters

For more than 100 years, Simkins Dam in Ellicott City prevented eels, herring and shad from migrating upriver before it was torn down last winter at the urging of environmentalists. In its more eco-friendly second life, the dam’s concrete will serve as the base for a new oyster reef near the mouth of the Chester River.

Bay Restoration Fee Increase Proposed to O’Malley Task Force

Bay Restoration Fee Increase Proposed to O’Malley Task Force

A governor's task force on sustainable growth on Tuesday heard a proposal to double and eventually triple Marylanders' monthly water and sewer fee of $2.50 for Chesapeake Bay restoration. The recommendation would increase the average residential fee from $30 per year to $60 per year starting in the 2013 fiscal year and $90 per year in the 2015 fiscal year.

Growing Algae Could Clean the Chesapeake Bay and Create Biofuel

Growing Algae Could Clean the Chesapeake Bay and Create Biofuel

Typically, algae hurt the bay because they contribute to dead zones, oxygen depleted areas harmful to aquatic life. But by growing fields of algae in a controlled system, the tiny plants can clean water while creating a feedstock for biofuel.

Rainwater Gardens to Reduce Chesapeake Pollution

Rainwater Gardens to Reduce Chesapeake Pollution

Gardens that filter rainwater to reduce pollution in the Chesapeake Bay will be planted in Prince George’s County, the Environmental Protection Agency announced Wednesday.

Chesapeake Murky and Debris-Strewn after Recent Downpours

Chesapeake Murky and Debris-Strewn after Recent Downpours

The relentless rain caused by Tropical Storm Lee swelled the Susquehanna River and other Chesapeake Bay tributaries to historic levels, and officials are concerned that the resulting influx of nutrients and sediments could harm aquatic life.