Chesapeake Bay grasses notch best numbers since 2018

Aerial surveys show that underwater grasses in the Chesapeake Bay had a strong year in 2025, covering 89,385 acres, the most since 2018 and a 7% improvement over 2024. Despite the gains, some advocates said the results are a mixed bag.

By: Christine Condon

Outlets: Maryland Matters

Published: September 8, 2026

Words: 672

Last Updated: 1 month, 1 week ago

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Aerial surveys show that underwater grasses in the Chesapeake Bay had a strong year in 2025, taking up the most acreage since 2018.

The numbers are a 7% improvement over 2024, covering 89,385 acres — just below a previous 2025 goal calling for 90,000 acres.

But since then, the goalposts have moved.

In December, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) and other bay governors signed a new pledge for the Chesapeake Bay. It

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