Upper bay grasses

[Black Irish]

I have noticed some improvement in the clarity, bay grasses, etc. The same is getting noticed by some state biologists too:

From the Baltimore Sun

Maryland News > harford co.
 
Originally published August 29, 2004


Aquatic grasses reported to thrive in Susquehanna Flats

At a time when research shows that grasses throughout the Chesapeake Bay have reached a 20-year low, the upper bay is experiencing diverse grass growth at a pace not seen in decades, according to state biologists.

The lush beds are not only beckoning more fish, crabs and clams, but also waterfowl that depend on the grasses for food.

That the comeback is happening in the shallow waters known as the Susquehanna Flats is even more surprising, researchers say, because the area is so vast and because its rebirth is largely driven by what is happening in Pennsylvania.

Historically, the Keystone State's vast farming operations and its sewage treatment plants have been responsible for a fair amount of nitrogen and phosphorus in the Susquehanna River, which delivers that pollution to the bay.

The nutrients encourage the growth of algae, which block sunlight so the grasses can't grow. Without grasses, crab, fish and waterfowl populations drop significantly.

Bay restoration officials who have often focused their criticisms northward are now pointing out that Pennsylvania is making progress. According to the Chesapeake Bay Program, the multi-agency initiative overseeing the bay cleanup, the amount of phosphorus in the upper bay has declined in recent years, and it gives much of the credit to Pennsylvania.

"What that does say is that the work they've done so far is obviously making a difference in their local streams," said Richard Batiuk, the bay program's associate director for science.

[Joe Crabs]

That's good to hear BI, something positive instead of all the bad news we are use to getting.

[madcrab]

  Thank GOD!!!!!!!!....and Pennsylvania too!!!  Now maybe Maryland....YEAH, THE STATE WITH THE CRABS...can really put in their share....

[procrabber]

the problem is that there are massive macroalgae blooms up in the northern bay. the macroalgae, although much better that the microalgae that cause algae blooms, still pose problems for the bay. they smother SAV's.
consider this an intermediate step towards progress, during a year with favorable weather for water clarity. lets see how things look after weather like last years.
hopefully this is a sign to come.

[jack1747]

during a year with favorable weather for water clarity. lets see how things look after weather like last years.

Not sure I understand.  Are you saying that the bay is cleaner during drought years or years with alot of rain?

[kingcrabber]

 Thank GOD!!!!!!!!....and Pennsylvania too!!!  Now maybe Maryland....YEAH, THE STATE WITH THE CRABS...can really put in their share....

dont be so quick to praise PA....the reason the Susquehanna basin "seems" to be improving is the fact that developers are buying out the farmers,yet,with this development,more problems arise,such as erosion,sewage,runoff...what you might be experiencing is a simple burp until all these houses are built.....then it might just be worse.... :(its easier to move 1 farmer,and buy him out and his land than it will be to move a community that has 100 residents that have homes on the same ground 20 years from now..onlt time will tell

[jengirl1014]

KC, think positive....think positive.  

[Black Irish]

during a year with favorable weather for water clarity. lets see how things look after weather like last years.

Not sure I understand.  Are you saying that the bay is cleaner during drought years or years with alot of rain?

I'm not sure I understand either. We had a lot of rain last summer too, didn't we?

[jengirl1014]

I thought we had a draught last year?

[Black Irish]

I did not include any editorial comments of my own with this article because I have no scientific data to base it upon. I can only give my observations. I am seeing some positive signs and I am talking about an area that is more than 15-20 miles south of the Flats.

You're are right, Jen we need to stay positive on this one. People will work harder when they get satisfying results from their efforts to curb pollution. If the bay doesn't start to show signs of improvement, people may say 'why bother'.

[jengirl1014]

BI, you can count on me to be the most positive person about the bay!  I'm always hopeful!    Let's clean up OUR guys!  Give it back to those sweet crabs!

[Black Irish]

I thought we had a draught last year?

I believe you are thinking about the 2001-2002 drought. Wells dried up, outdoor burning bans, no outdoor watering or car washing  

[jengirl1014]

Sorry, the memory gets fuzzy after kids!

[jack1747]

I believe you are thinking about the 2001-2002 drought. Wells dried up, outdoor burning bans, no outdoor watering or car washing  

That was the greatest year for our creek in decades.  Water was clear and salty.  Great fishing and crabbing!

[madcrab]

  This year has been pretty wet for us in MD too....I believe.  It wasn't long ago (weeks) that our lawn was lush and green....IT'S NEVER LUSH AND GREEN IN MID-AUGUST!!!  Anyway...KC....you're absolutely right.  But let's hope this is truely a good sign....

[jengirl1014]

See, KC, I told you!  Think positive!

[kingcrabber]

See, KC, I told you!  Think positive!

Trying to think positive Sweetie...but the developers and the people that buy the homes are generally not people who would be concerned with the preservation of the Chesapeake bay...[Sam Hill],Jen,I would venture to guess(like BI,no scientific proof to back me up,just a hunch)that the people that buy these homes will have no clue that what they spray on their lawns,flush down their toilets and drains,or the runoff into storm sewers,will affect the Bay :-\and I'll bet you a dollar to a bag of donuts,most could give a rats [arse] also ...who do you think will educate these people?..dam sure won't be the developers or the politicians ...

[jengirl1014]

That's why Sir Jack is printing out fliers for us to hand out!  We'll get up early like we do for crabbing and post one on every door.  We'll be "The Masked Crabbers."  Our motto:  "All for crabs and crabs for all!"  We'll save the bay.  We just need to be positive.  Trust me!