News

This Week in the Watershed: The Bay's Cornerstone

February 22, 2019

Following decades of restoration work, we are making progress restoring the Bay's native oyster population. And two pieces of legislation before the Maryland General Assembly would take restoration efforts even further.
Optimism Amid Challenges as Maryland’s Oyster Farming Industry Continues to Grow

February 20, 2019

2019 Maryland Shellfish Aquaculture Conference highlighted changes in the Bay’s regenerative business.
Fisheries Managers to Further Study Depletion of Menhaden in Chesapeake Bay

February 7, 2019

(RICHMOND, VA)—Today the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission Menhaden Management Board passed a motion requiring Virginia to maintain its menhaden harvest below the Chesapeake Bay reduction fishery harvest cap.
CBF Statement on Striped Bass Stock Assessment

February 6, 2019

(ARLINGTON, VA)—Today the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission discussed initial findings from its striped bass stock assessment, which shows declining numbers—especially in the number of large spawning fish.
Chesapeake Bay Foundation Lauds Maryland House Speaker Michael Busch’s Bill to Protect the State’s Oyster Restoration Tributaries

January 29, 2019

(ANNAPOLIS, MD)—On Monday night, Maryland House Speaker Michael Busch introduced a new bill to permanently protect the state’s five Chesapeake Bay tributaries where oyster restoration work is underway or planned to take place.
A Sustainability Sham

December 21, 2018

A student who fails to complete all their assignments doesn't receive a passing grade. But if Omega Protein gets their way, this logic won't hold true in the world of fishery management.
This Week in the Watershed: Bivalve Blues

December 7, 2018

During the rush of Thanksgiving week, a critical report was released on the current and future state of oysters in Maryland. And it didn’t bring good news.
CBF Opposes Menhaden Sustainability Certification

December 4, 2018

(RICHMOND)—Omega Protein's Atlantic menhaden fishery was recommended for a leading seafood sustainability certification by the Marine Stewardship Council in a draft report released today by analyst SAI Global.
CBF Statement on Lynnhaven River Oyster Restoration NFWF Grant

December 3, 2018

(VIRGINIA BEACH)—Today the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation awarded two grants for oyster restoration in the Lynnhaven River to the Chesapeake Bay Foundation and Lynnhaven River NOW.
Our Greatest Fears

November 21, 2018

Monday's presentation confirmed some of our greatest fears about the Bay’s oyster population. The results found that Maryland’s oyster population declined by more than half from around 600 million market size oysters in 1999 to less than 300 million in early 2018.
CBF Statement on Maryland Oyster Stock Assessment

November 20, 2018

(ANNAPOLIS, MD)—The Maryland Department of Natural Resources presented part of its first-ever state oyster stock assessment Monday night in Annapolis.
The Original Thanksgiving Dinner Reimagined

November 15, 2018

We can only imagine the bounty the Bay could have provided the first Thanksgiving participants, just a decade removed from Captain John Smith’s first voyage up the Chesapeake.
CBF Statement on Juvenile Striped Bass Survey in Chesapeake Bay

October 18, 2018

(ANNAPOLIS, MD)—Juvenile striped bass numbers in the Chesapeake Bay are higher than average this year, according to survey results released this week by the Virginia Institute of Marine Science and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
This Week in the Watershed: An Oyster Revival

October 12, 2018

Before the Chesapeake was first explored by Captain John Smith in 1608, the Bay was known for its oysters. But the magnitude of the Bay's oyster population has dropped precipitously since the days when Smith wrote that oysters "lay thick as stones."
Photo of the Week: Rescued

October 8, 2018

An endangered diamond terrapin was rescued from a private citizen in Virginia after it was trapped in a crab pot.
Chris Ludford of Pleasure House Oysters Talks Clean Water

October 4, 2018

When it comes to clean water, watermen and oyster farmers are on the front line making positive impacts for the Bay and it's rivers and streams.
Chesapeake Born

September 13, 2018

A lifelong Chesapeake waterman, father of nine, World War II vet, teacher, carpenter, farmer, and husband, Nat Jones life is nothing if not rich.
CBF Issues Statement Concerning Oyster Sanctuary Changes

September 5, 2018

(ANNAPOLIS, MD)—Today Governor Hogan announced that the state will shift restoration efforts from Breton Bay to the Manokin River. The decision to use only state funds for restoration on the Manokin raises serious concerns that the sanctuary could be opened to harvest in the future.
Rod and Reef Slam Fishing Tournament Returns for Second Year to Highlight Diversity of Fish Species on Oyster Reefs

August 31, 2018

(SHERWOOD, MD)—Anglers seeking a unique experience on the Chesapeake Bay should register now for the second annual Rod and Reef Slam on Maryland's Eastern Shore.
Learn about the Legendary Bay Oyster on Sept. 11

August 30, 2018

(VIRGINIA BEACH, VA)—Fisheries experts will discuss the fascinating biology, significant history, and promising future of the native oyster on Sept. 11 at the Chesapeake Bay Foundation's next free Brock Environmental Center Learning Series discussion.
Now Is Not the Time to Limit Oyster Aquaculture

August 29, 2018

The Chesapeake Bay Foundation opposes the proposal being discussed by St. Mary's County commissioners to institute an 18-month moratorium preventing oyster aquaculture farmers from using docks in the county.
Sept. 15 Clamboree to Benefit Chesapeake Bay Foundation

August 14, 2018

(WACHAPREAGUE, VA)—This year's Clamboree will offer delicious Eastern Shore seafood, live music, and stunning views, with all proceeds benefiting the Chesapeake Bay Foundation.
Sharks in the Bay?!

August 14, 2018

A shark catch in southern Maryland waters has launched a flurry of questions across the region. CBF's Doug Myers tells us what we need to know.
CBF Statement on Virginia Menhaden Compliance Decision Delay

August 8, 2018

(RICHMOND, VA)—Yesterday the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s (ASMFC) Menhaden Management Board postponed a decision on Virginia’s compliance with the latest menhaden harvest cap on the Chesapeake Bay reduction fishery until its February meeting.
Frequent Dolphin Sightings Reveal a Rebounding Bay

August 1, 2018

Bottlenose dolphin sightings are delighting both citizens and scientists alike, as unprecedented scores of these marine mammals have been spotted in the Bay's waters this spring and summer.