The Chesapeake Bay's health improved to a C+ in 2023, marking its highest rating in 21 years, but the overall restoration effort still faces significant challenges.
Timothy B. Wheeler reports for Chesapeake Bay Journal.
In short:
- The University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science gave the Bay a 55% score, up from 51% in 2022.
- Improvements in the Susquehanna River, the Bay's largest tributary, contributed significantly to the higher score.
- Environmentalists argue that while progress is being made, more effective and efficient cleanup approaches are needed.
Key quote:
“This improvement is a testament to efforts to reduce nutrients in the Susquehanna River watershed.”
— Bill Dennison, UMCES vice president
Why this matters:
The Chesapeake Bay is a vital ecological and economic resource. Despite recent gains, the restoration's slow progress suggests the need for continued investment and innovative strategies to ensure long-term health.
