The article reviews the state of contaminants in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, based on comprehensive assessments. It highlights various pollutants, including PCBs, PAHs, metals, and pharmaceuticals, noting their widespread presence and potential harmful effects on fish and wildlife. Notable findings include degradation of fish health due to diseases, reproductive issues, and tumors, linked to toxic contaminants. The report, stemming from the President’s Executive Order 13508, aims to inform the Chesapeake Bay Program on strategies to mitigate these threats. The USGS contributed data and conducted studies essential for understanding the contamination’s extent and biological impacts.
