IAN Seminar Series

The overall health of Chesapeake Bay improved in 2014, with significantly improving trends in both total nitrogen and total phosphorus in the Bay. Overall, the tidal waters of the Chesapeake scored a C (50%), which was up from the previous year’s score of 45% (also a C). The 2014 overall score of 50%, a C, is considered moderate health. The improvement in the overall score is due to improved nutrient scores (lower amounts of nutrients in the water column) and improved aquatic grasses scores. While not part of the overall grade, fisheries indicators and a climate change resilience index were also part of the 2014 Chesapeake Bay report card. Methods and results of these indicators, as well as the new report card website, will be reviewed during this presentation.