2023 Press Releases - Watershed-Wide - Chesapeake Bay Foundation

CBF Issues Statement on Green 2.0 Report Card

December 14, 2023

Green 2.0 released its Seventh Annual NGO & Foundation Transparency Report Card today. The organization’s report shows diversity and inclusion data from environmental NGOs and foundations.

CBF Statement on 2023 Chesapeake Bay Dead Zone

November 28, 2023

The dead zone in the Chesapeake Bay this year is the smallest since monitoring began in 1985, according to data released today by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Old Dominion University, and Virginia Institute of Marine Science.

CBF Announces Tola Sanni as New Chief Financial Officer

November 9, 2023

CBF has selected Tola Sanni as its new Chief Financial Officer, overseeing the organization's accounting, payroll, and financial & grant management, and reporting. She also serves as the treasurer of CBF’s Board of Trustees.

Chesapeake Executive Council Elects MD Gov. Moore to Chair at Pivotal Time

October 19, 2023

The Chesapeake Executive Council, which leads the federal-state Chesapeake Bay restoration partnership, elected Maryland Gov. Wes Moore as its chair at its annual meeting today.

ASMFC Releases Addendum II to The Striped Bass Management Plan as Low Numbers Cause Concern

October 19, 2023

As low striped bass numbers in the Chesapeake Bay cause widespread concern, the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) yesterday released for public comment a fisheries management plan update that seeks to help rebuild the striped bass population.

Chesapeake Striped Bass Survey Results Show Recruitment Failure

October 12, 2023

For the fifth consecutive year, juvenile striped bass numbers remained below average in both Maryland and Virginia.

High School Students From PA, VA, and MD Take Action at Climate Change Summit in Virginia Beach

October 2, 2023

In Virginia Beach last weekend, 40 high school students from across Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania worked to develop climate change solutions that can be implemented in their communities at the biannual CBF Student Leadership Summit.

Chesapeake Striped Bass Face Growing Challenges From Climate Change

September 19, 2023

Striped bass face growing challenges from habitat loss, low oxygen levels, and climate change as they struggle to recover from a significant decline on the East Coast.

Chesapeake Oyster Alliance Marks 100 Partner Milestone

September 18, 2023

The Chesapeake Oyster Alliance (COA) welcomed its 100th partner this month, marking an important milestone for the coalition.

CBF Food & Farm Fest Celebrates Delicious Local Fare, Family Fun, and Environmentally Friendly Farming

September 7, 2023

With fall just around the corner, CBF invites you to join our celebration of the Bay region’s best local food and drink from noon to 4 pm on Saturday, October 14, at CBF’s Clagett farm in Upper Marlboro, Maryland.

Organizations Create 3D Models of Imperiled Freshwater Mussels

August 22, 2023

Scientists and imaging specialists will help save freshwater mussels, one of the most endangered classes of organisms, using 3D imaging technology.

CBF Taps Paul Smail as New Top Watchdog for Clean Water and Communities that Depend on It

August 3, 2023

Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) President and CEO Hilary Harp Falk is pleased to announce that CBF has a new top watchdog protecting clean water and the communities that depend on it in Paul Smail, who has been promoted to Vice President for Litigation and General Counsel, Richard T. Pelham Chair.

ASMFC Extends Size Limit on Recreational Bass Catch but Defers Decision on Addendum to Long-Term Recovery Plan

August 2, 2023

Continuing its efforts to aid the comeback of striped bass, the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) voted yesterday to extend the emergency regulation it adopted in May to reduce striped bass mortality. The ASMFC also continued work on a draft Addendum II to the striped bass management plan outlining additional options for the long-term recovery of striped bass populations.

CBF Statement On 2022 Bay Grasses Improvement

July 6, 2023

The results of the annual Bay grasses survey found a 12 percent increase in Bay grasses over the previous year.

CBF Statement On Chesapeake Bay Dead Zone Forecast

June 22, 2023

A new report predicts that this summer the Chesapeake Bay's dead zone will be 33 percent smaller than average.

CBF Mourns the Loss of Dr. Beth McGee, CBF Director of Science and Agricultural Policy

June 5, 2023

CBF mourns the loss of Dr. Beth McGee, CBF’s Director of Science and Agricultural Policy. Since coming to CBF in 2003, Beth played a crucial role in assessing the health of the Bay, leading the science of Bay restoration, and helping CBF craft policy solutions.

Tickets Still Available for Bands in the Sand—CBF’s Summer Beach Concert and Fundraiser

May 26, 2023

There’s still time to get tickets to attend CBF's Bands in the Sand beach concert, the waterfront party of the year that helps CBF fund its Bay-saving mission.

Blue Crab Survey Results Show Improvement After All-Time Lows, but Concerns Remain

May 18, 2023

After reaching record low numbers last year, the Chesapeake Bay blue crab population is showing some signs of improvement in the 2023 Blue Crab Winter Dredge Survey results released today.

After Striped Bass Emergency Action, Chance for Public to Weigh In

May 16, 2023

Following an emergency action setting new limits on the striped bass fishery, the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission is holding four virtual hearings this month to seek input from the public.

CBF Issues Statement on New Bay Restoration Report

May 9, 2023

A new report from the Chesapeake Bay Program’s Scientific and Technical Advisory Committee evaluates why progress to restore local rivers, streams, and the Chesapeake Bay has been slower than expected and looks at ways to accelerate efforts to reduce pollution.

Report Shows Increased Fishing Pressure on Striped Bass, CBF Applauds Additional Action to Restore Population

May 3, 2023

Recreational fishing pressure on striped bass increased in 2022 along the Atlantic Coast even as the population is struggling to recover from a dramatic decline, according to the latest update from the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC).

Carmera Thomas-Wilhite Joins CBF As Vice President for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice

February 7, 2023

The Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) is pleased to announce that Carmera Thomas-Wilhite has joined the organization as Vice President for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice.

Otis Jones Elected Chesapeake Bay Foundation Board Chair

February 1, 2023

The Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) Board of Trustees last week elected Otis S. Jones as its chair for a three-year term.

Chesapeake Oyster Alliance Awards Grants for 13 Innovative Oyster Projects

January 9, 2023

The Chesapeake Oyster Alliance (COA) in partnership with Chesapeake Bay Trust is proud to announce over $115,000 in new grants were recently awarded to 13 different oyster-related businesses and organizations to enhance efforts to add more oysters to the Bay.