The University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science released its annual Chesapeake Bay and Watershed Report Card, maintaining a “C” grade for the bay’s overall health from 2021 to 2022. The health score improved by six points over two years, with better water clarity, nitrogen, phosphorus, and aquatic grasses. However, many tributaries, especially in the Eastern Shore watersheds, scored poorly, highlighting the need for accelerated restoration efforts to meet nutrient reduction targets and address climate resilience. Watershed health was assessed in ecological, societal, and economic categories, with various tributaries receiving mixed grades.
