Video by Tom George/CNS-TV
SANDY POINT, Md. — Many around the state are still picking up the pieces in the wake of Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee…and that includes the Department of Natural Resources.
DNR officials say the storms have left the Bay with less salt and that can spell trouble for the oyster population. In addition, the rains from the storms washed sticks and debris into the waters turning the water from its usual blue to a murky brown.
Since the storms, the Department says it has put more boats in the water to allow additional crews to check out the situation.
Officials also say the sediment which found its way into the Bay and its tributaries in the wake of the storm should eventually wash out.
The Department of Natural Resources is expanding its watch program to include a constant Bay monitoring system that will provide real-time data on the condition of the Bay and its surrounding waters.