Chesapeake Bay Underwater Grasses Reach Highest Acreage Since 2018
Aerial survey data shows a 7 percent increase in underwater vegetation across the bay in 2025.
HERE'S WHAT WE KNOW
According to survey data reported by Maryland Matters, underwater grasses in the Chesapeake Bay expanded to 89,385 acres in 2025, up 7 percent from 2024 and reaching the highest mark since 2018.
Aerial surveys revealed that underwater grasses in the Chesapeake Bay covered 89,385 acres in 2025, marking the highest total recorded since 2018, according to a report by Maryland Matters.
The 2025 acreage represents a 7 percent improvement compared to measurements taken in 2024, reflecting a positive year for submerged aquatic vegetation across the watershed.
Despite the overall acreage gains reported in the survey, some environmental advocates characterized the latest results as a mixed bag for the bay's ecosystem.
WHAT IT MEANS
The increase in submerged aquatic vegetation indicates positive progress for the Chesapeake Bay's health, though environmental advocates caution that conditions remain varied across different areas.
Original reporting referenced by Everything Frederick:
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