New Chesapeake Bay report shows decline in health but a positive long-term trend

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- A 2024 report card found a decline in health within the Chesapeake Bay, however according to the University of Maryland Environmental Science (UMCES) report card, shows a long-term positive trend.

The UMCES report card showed that two major factors led to its decline in 2024--extreme weather due to drought and heavy storms. When intense rainfall falls through the region on dry coil it leads to runoff that washes pollution into the streams, rivers and the Bay.

In a press release from the Bay, it says due to the intensity of climate change extreme weather throughout the region has lead to stronger storms and more severe droughts.

According to the 2025 report, the Chesapeake Bay's overall score was C or 50% compared to 55% from 2023. The report says "these decreases are unfortunate, but not surprising" considering weather conditions in 2024.

While dissolved oxygen ranks at an A, water clarity scored an F at 18% on the 2025 report card. Other findings in the report card include, improvements in dissolved oxygen, aquatic grasses, total phosphorus and total nitrogen scores all improving over time.

These improvements in the Bay can be attributed to recent efforts such as wastewater treatment plant upgrades, seagrass restoration, oyster planting and watershed planning. These efforts have ben made statewide, according to the report and also include programs implemented to reduce nutrient and sediment build up.

For over two decades, both the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) and the UMCES have worked independently to provide respected reports and health updates on the Chesapeake bay. The two organizations say they would like to collaborate more closely in the future.

The press release sites that since the Trump administration's cut to the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Environmental Justice Program and the fiscal year 2026 "skinny budget, it could hurt the Bay's restoration efforts.

The 2026 fiscal budget request states, "The budget eliminates this program ( Environmental Protection Agency Environmental Justice Program) that was a slush fund for climate and racial extremism."

In a statement from CBF President and CEO Hilary Falk she stated:

“The health of the Chesapeake Bay isn’t just an environmental issue. It’s a quality-of-life issue for nearly 19 million people. This report card reflects the progress we’ve made, and the serious challenges that remain. This is the moment to push forward—not pull back. 

“The Bay has long inspired bipartisan leadership. Congress must stand up to reckless rollbacks and fully fund the coordinated efforts across federal agencies to clean up the Bay. At the same time, state leaders must rise to the moment by recommitting to clean water goals with bold and urgent action. " Statement from CBF President and CEO Hilary Falk