A new report released by The Chesapeake Bay Foundation found, on average, that 13.6 percent of the bay’s waters tested this summer did not have enough dissolved oxygen to support a healthy ecosystem, known as “dead zone” waters, the Department of Natural Resources reported. This is down from 18.9 percent since 1985. The best year on record was 2012, when 13.3 percent of the bay lacked sufficient oxygen.
Scientists at CBF could not offer an estimate of the overall volume of this summer’s dead zone, because some of their water quality sampling was incomplete due to rough and windy conditions.
At the beginning of the summer,the dead zone was predicted to be about 1.89 cubic miles in size.
According to Beth McGee, CBF director of science and agricultural policy, “There is scientific consensus that the dead zone is getting smaller over time, and ending earlier in the summer. “This is an indication that the Clean Water Blueprint is working. But we also know that much more needs to be done to achieve a bay that is healthy for all living creatures.”
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Well, to me, this is extremely good news. On an otherwise sad news front. I dunno, I was thinking that this comment section would be full of yahoos and atta-boys, you know, due to the proximity of the bay to Cape Charles and some folks’ lively-hoods depend on it being, well…somewhat clean. But, maybe I am being a bit optimistic too soon. Maybe the realists in this paper’s readership are waiting for even better showing numbers come next season. You know, like a collective holding of the breath. Then the corks will pop! Yeah, I am sure that’s what’s going on here. Because, if the lack of commentary here should mean otherwise, then it just goes to show that no one gives a rat’s ass on the condition of the bay. There’re more concerned whether political correctness is going to take over their lives or if the next political candidate has their best interest at heart. Screw the bay…let nature take care of herself. We have more pressing concerns…SMH.
Congratulations to the Chesapeake Bay Foundation and all that they do to monitor and keep the conditions of the bay to the fore. Thank you, Wayne for printing this article.