(ANNAPOLIS, MD)—Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) President William C. Baker and Beth McGee, CBF's Director of Science and Agricultural Policy, issued these statements concerning the results of the early July dead zone cruise in Maryland.
Beth McGee said:
"Despite predictions based on data showing more than average pollution entering the Bay this winter and spring, the fact that the dead zone in July is smaller than average is good news and may be an indication that the Bay is becoming more resilient. There is scientific consensus that the health of the Bay is improving, but the recovery is still fragile."
William C. Baker said:
"The Chesapeake Clean Water Blueprint is working. It is a 30-year partnership between the states and federal agencies. But the progress we have made and the improvements in Bay health are in jeopardy. Full federal funding and vigorous enforcement of clean water laws are essential. Maryland and Virginia must continue to increase efforts to reduce pollution from agriculture and urban/suburban runoff. And Pennsylvania, which is significantly behind in achieving its goals, must dramatically increase efforts to reduce pollution."
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources press release is at: http://news.maryland.gov/dnr/2017/07/25/early-july-hypoxia/
