Bay grass losses in Tangier Sound illustrate need to improve water quality

Annapolis (January 18, 1999) -- Emphasizing the interconnection of land use and daily activities to the health of Maryland's natural resources, Governor Parris N. Glendening today called for an increased focus on the State's "green" infrastructure in a keynote address to the Fifth Annual Maryland Environmental Legislative Summit in Annapolis.

"While the need for investing in roads, schools, education and health care is well accepted, it is time to fight for the protection of our green infrastructure," said Governor Glendening. "One of the greatest challenges we face today is helping people to understand that the problems we face in our waterways and in the air all start with what we do on the land."

The Governor referenced the passage of Smart Growth, Rural Legacy, Wildlands and Water Quality legislation, as well as activities to increase wetlands, plant forest buffers along streams, and protect the State against the effects of toxic Pfiesteria, as important steps in protecting the green infrastructure. "We have accomplished much together," added the Governor, "but more work remains, especially if we are to protect and restore the Chesapeake Bay as we move into the 21st Century."

Governor Glendening pointed to disturbing declines in Bay grasses in the Tangier Sound area of the Lower Eastern Shore to demonstrate the challenges still ahead. Between 1992 and 1997, this important nursery area for crabs and finfish experienced a 48 percent decline in bay grasses. "Even more troubling," noted the Governor, "is that research being conducted by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources has determined that in the 1950s, the area surrounding South Marsh Island in Tangier Sound had 6,000 acres of bay grasses. By 1997, there were only 83 acres."

Bay grasses are important because they produce oxygen as well as provide food and habitat for a variety of creatures, including, crabs, fish and waterfowl. Scientists recently demonstrated that young blue crabs may be up to 30 times more abundant in Chesapeake Bay grass beds than in unvegetated areas. Bay grasses also protect shorelines from erosion by reducing wave action, help to absorb nutrient pollutants, and trap sediments that cloud Bay waters.

While scientists are currently examining the reasons for long-term Bay grass losses, most agree that a key factor is water quality degradation. The Tangier Sound area has relatively high levels of nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, compared to other Bay regions. "We cannot control natural factors that may be involved, like climate changes, but we can control our activities on the land to help keep nature -- and her living things -- healthy," said Governor Glendening.

The Governor noted that progress is being made to restore Bay grasses through efforts like DNR's Bay Grass Restoration Partnership, which involves the State's Tributary Teams, watermen, researchers and non-profit organizations in growing and planting Bay grasses. A key part of this initiative is "Bay Grasses in Classes," a project involving elementary, middle and high school students in Bay grass restoration. "Additionally, we have the opportunity to expand Bay grass restoration efforts, as well as invest in, and support, our green infrastructure as we renew the Chesapeake Bay Agreement with our sister Bay states next year."

"We are looking forward to working with the Governor to build upon the environmental successes of his first term and continue efforts to restore the living resources of the Bay," said Will Baker, President, Chesapeake Bay Foundation.