All articles tagged with #chesapeake bay
Scientists have discovered a massive underwater impact crater beneath Chesapeake Bay, formed by an asteroid 35 million years ago, which provides insights into Earth's catastrophic past, including its effects on climate, ecosystems, and landscape changes.
Stone crabs are now appearing in the lower Chesapeake Bay, likely due to warming waters, and are expected to stay as they adapt to the region's changing climate, prompting discussions on crab management and regulation.
A study suggests that a parasitic, egg-eating worm found on female blue crabs in Chesapeake Bay could serve as a biomarker for their reproductive history, helping to manage and potentially rebuild crab populations by identifying spawning females and understanding reproductive patterns, especially in low-salinity conditions.
Geologists have uncovered evidence of a massive tsunami caused by a 35-million-year-old asteroid impact in Chesapeake Bay, with findings from North Carolina revealing tsunami deposits and impact materials, shedding light on the event's far-reaching effects and potential hazards of asteroid collisions.
Scientists have discovered the largest known impact crater in the U.S., buried beneath Chesapeake Bay, formed by a massive asteroid collision around 35 million years ago, which caused widespread fires, earthquakes, and tsunamis, significantly shaping the region's landscape and contributing to Earth's geological history.
New research reveals that massive asteroid impacts, including one that created a 25-mile-wide crater beneath Chesapeake Bay 35 million years ago, did not cause significant long-term climate changes on Earth. Despite expectations of global climate alteration, the study found no measurable shifts in climate following these impacts, which also include a 60-mile-wide crater in Siberia. The findings, based on isotope analysis of ancient marine fossils, suggest that while such impacts would be catastrophic on a human timescale, they did not disrupt Earth's climate over the long term. The study highlights the importance of ongoing efforts to prevent future asteroid collisions.
The 2024 Chesapeake Bay Blue Crab Winter Dredge Survey estimates 317 million blue crabs, a slight decrease from last year. Spawning age female crabs dropped to 133 million but remain above the overfishing threshold. Juvenile crab numbers rose to 138 million, though still below average. A new stock assessment will begin this summer to reassess management strategies, with results expected by March 2026.
The small menhaden fish has become a focal point of a contentious debate in the Chesapeake Bay, with environmentalists and sportfishing groups advocating for a complete ban on the commercial fishery due to concerns of overfishing and its impact on the local ecosystem. On the other hand, Omega Protein, the last company harvesting menhaden in the bay, argues that there is no evidence supporting these concerns and that a ban would threaten local jobs. The debate has intensified in recent years, with clashes between the commercial fishing industry and recreational fishermen, and a proposed study on the status of menhaden in the bay has been delayed.
A Wind Advisory with gusts up to 40 mph is in effect as the aftermath of a recent storm includes wind damage, power outages, and flooding, particularly around the Chesapeake Bay. Western Maryland experienced up to 10 inches of snow, with more snow showers expected. Another storm is forecasted for Friday to Saturday, potentially bringing more snow and flooding, followed by colder temperatures and a chance of light snow on Monday. The meteorologist, Justin Berk, also addresses his dyslexia and the occasional typos in his weather updates.
Maryland anglers are enjoying good fishing opportunities despite the colder weather. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is proposing emergency regulations to protect the spawning population of striped bass. In the Upper Chesapeake Bay, anglers are finding slim pickings for striped bass but are having success with smallmouth bass and walleye. In the Middle Bay, striped bass are still present in the channels, while white perch have moved to deeper waters. In the Lower Bay, striped bass fishing is good in the Potomac River, and white perch are also being caught. Freshwater fishing is productive for northern pike, smallmouth bass, walleye, largemouth bass, crappie, and chain pickerel. Offshore, anglers are enjoying excellent fishing for black sea bass, flounder, triggerfish, bluefish, and porgies.
Newport News Shipbuilding has donated a massive dry dock caisson gate to the tower reef, an artificial reef off the Chesapeake Bay. The gate, which is used to seal water out of a dry dock, will provide a habitat for marine organisms and contribute to the ecosystem. The tower reef has been successful in attracting a variety of sea life, making it a popular spot for anglers and divers. The reef is periodically expanded with new structures, and while there are no immediate plans for more additions, future expansions are expected.