Chesapeake Bay grass growth exceeds record for 3rd straight year

For the third year in a row, a record breaking amount of underwater grass was grew in the Chesapeake Bay.

Last year’s annual baywide survey found a total of over 104,000 acres of underwater grasses growing in Maryalnd’s tidal waters, a 5% increase from 2016.

Officials say it’s the 5^th straight year of vegetation expansion; the third in a row of record breaking numbers; and the first year total area of underwater grasses has exceeded 100,000 acres.

Maryland Natural Resources Secretary Mark Belton says it shows tremendous progress in improving and restoring water quality throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed.