Bay Grasses

Underwater Grasses Decline in Maryland’s Coastal Bays

May 3, 2007  — Bay grass acreage in Maryland’s portion of the Coastal Bays suffered a setback in 2005 and 2006, primarily the result of an eelgrass die-back due to elevated water temperatures in the summer of 2005. Long-term monitoring data has also identified increasing nutrient and chlorophyll trends in this area, which can impact bay grasses as well. The losses were reported today by the Virginia Institute of Marine Sciences (VIMS), which has conducted an annual aerial survey of bay grasses in the Chesapeake and Coastal Bays since the mid 1980s. 

Total acreage in Maryland declined nearly 4,000 acres. The combined total loss for Maryland and Virginia dropped nearly 6,500 acres in 2006 to 10,548 acres, a 38 percent reduction from 17,012 acres in 2004.

• Bay Grass Acreage (1986 - 2006)

• Bay Grass Acreage by Embayment (1986 - 2006)

• Press Release:  Underwater Grasses Decline in Maryland's Coast Bays.

Read more about water quality actions DNR is implementing through the Maryland Coastal Bay Program.

You can get more information on Maryland’s Bay Grass Restoration efforts at: http://www.dnr.state.md.us/bay/sav/index.asp

To view the entire 2006 Bay Grass Survey Report and associated maps, visit the Virginia Institute of Marine Science website at: http://www.vims.edu/bio/sav/sav06/

Bay grasses or seagrasses (technically known as Submerged Aquatic Vegetation, or SAV) are rooted plants that resemble terrestrial plants, but live and grow completely under water up to the water surface. Bay grasses are an important part of the Coastal Bays ecosystem because they improve water quality and provide food and shelter for waterfowl, fish, and shellfish. Two species of bay grasses (eelgrass and widgeon grass), are common to the Maryland Coastal Bays.

Following a massive decline in the 1930's that resulted from an eelgrass "wasting disease," the Coastal Bay's grasses have undergone a steady increase since the 1980's.  As these grass beds expand, so too will the benefits they provide, including improved water clarity, improved fishing opportunities, and utilization as a food source for migratory waterfowl that over-winter in these bays. A composite map of seagrass distribution (2001-2003) shows the general locations of bay grass beds.

Water Quality | Harmful Algae | Living Resources
Bay Life Guide | Restoration & Protection | Coastal Links