Bay Grass Abundance
Underwater bay grasses provide crucial habitat for a host of aquatic organisms, including fish, shellfish, invertebrates and waterfowl. They are also important food sources for waterfowl. Healthy communities of grass can provide clearer water by slowing water movements, thus allowing sediment to drop to the bottom.
Status:
The most recent baywide data from 2010 show bay grasses covering 79,675 acres – or a little over 43% of the 185,000-acre restoration goal. Grasses have not quite recovered to the recent high level of 90,000 acres observed in 2002. Maryland 2010 data show 40,128 acres – or a little over 35% of its 114,000 acre restoration goal.
Goal:
185,000 acres by 2010.
More Information:
