On the Bay

Every year, Maryland Sea Grant welcomes its new class of Knauss fellows–graduate students in science fields who want deep experience in how to shape federal policy.

But like everyone else, the 2020 Knauss fellows are not having the year they expected.

When the Cambridge Clean Water Advisory Committee set out to help the City of Cambridge work with local residents and businesses to improve water quality in four Chesapeake Bay tributaries, its members knew that the toughest nut to crack was getting people to participate.

When Maryland revised its shellfish leasing laws in 2009 to enable commercial oyster farming in public waters, entrepreneurs who had pushed for the change for years rejoiced. Finally, obtaining a lease to grow oysters in Maryland waters was more accessible. 

Catherine “Cat” Frederick wanted to be an Extension specialist before she even knew what one was.

Native mussels are beginning to earn their 15 minutes of clean-water fame as in a variety of restoration projects on Chesapeake Bay. For one mussel in particular—the common Eastern elliptio mussel (Elliptio complanata)—the American eel plays a key role.