On the Bay

Big storms can impair the Chesapeake Bay’s water quality by dumping rain that washes pulses of nutrients and sediments into the estuary. But as twin storms hit the region in October, University of Maryland scientists traveled out out on stormy waters to study another effect: how storm-driven winds stir up nutrients from the Bay’s bottom zone.

The assignment: build an "aquaponics" laboratory. The educational goal: teach students to apply science and engineering to solve practical problems. And have fun doing it. 

Live bait packages shipped to the Mid-Atlantic from distributors in Maine harbor dozens of species of non-native, marine organisms, a newly published study says. These species can end up in our region’s waters, where they may become invasive and alter ecosystems. 

Nearly half of Marylanders know that a strong consensus exists among climate scientists that the climate is changing, a new survey says — a finding with implications for public policy. Among the possible harmful effects of climate change in Maryland, many survey respondents cited effects on the Chesapeake Bay.

What kind of storm surge could head up the Chesapeake Bay this weekend if Hurricane Joaquin reaches the Mid-Atlantic?