1. Chesapeake Bay

2. Is the largest estuary in the United States The Bay’s watershed is 64,000 square miles (60% forested) and covers parts of 6 states These states are:

3. Chesapeake Bay The _______________River supplies one half of the Bay’s freshwater.

4. The Bay’s Benefit to Wildlife Habitat Wintering area for approx. 1 million migratory birds Nurseries for fish SAV – Submerged Aquatic Vegetation is underwater grasses that provide cover for fish, crabs, and other invertebrates as well as food for waterfowl. SAV is a keystone species

5. Humans and the Bay Approximately 15 million people live in the Bay’s watershed Each year 1000s of acres of forests and farms are developed for urban or residential use (“urban sprawl”)

6. Humans and the Bay 2 Main Types of Pollutant 1.Nutrients A.Nitrates B.Phosphates **Nitrates and phosphates fertilize bay -> rapid algae growth Population increases and farming practices are main cause of nutrient pollution in the Bay In PA, most nutrient pollution comes from ________

7. Humans and the Bay 2 Types of Pollution 1.Point source- ex. Sewage treatment plant 2.Non-point source- ex. Runoff from farms, lawns, construction sites

8. Humans and the Bay 2. Toxic substances -chemicals that can harm living organisms Ex. Arsenic, lead, hydrocarbons, pesticides Enter bay via point source as result of storm runoff and improperly disposed of household chemicals Found in low levels but bioaccumulates up the food chain

9. What Can be Done to Save the Bay? Industry- remove toxic chemicals by pretreating wastewater before sending to treatment plant Storm water- treat to reduce levels of toxic chemicals and nutrients (Both can be costly to implement)

10. What Can be Done to Save the Bay? Agriculture- best management practices (no- till, strip, or contour farming) to reduce nutrient run-off (Also saves $ on fertilizer costs) Land Use- Planting buffer strips along streams and rivers, less development

11. What Can be Done to Save the Bay? Sewage Treatment Plants- No detergents with phosphorous Restoring populations- replanting SAV, creating oyster habitats and stocking larval oysters The health of the Bay was damaged over years, so restoration will take time as well