Chesapeake Bay Hypoxia Report – 2024 Year End Summary
November 20, 2024
Recent monitoring results reveal that hypoxia levels in the Chesapeake Bay were generally found to be near or below average throughout most of the summer of 2024, according to data from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Old Dominion University. Hypoxia, characterized by oxygen levels below 2 mg/l, exhibited some fluctuations during the year.
In May and early June, the volume of hypoxic waters was larger than average, but this decreased to below-average levels from late June through the end of August. Notably, September recorded slightly above-average hypoxia, while October showed no signs of hypoxic conditions. Historically, deep water hypoxia tends to diminish after September, with a remarkable 30 out of the past 40 Octobers reporting no hypoxia.
Here are some key findings from the monitoring conducted by Maryland and Virginia in the Chesapeake Bay:
– May: 0.42 cubic miles (Historical Average: 0.18) – 35th out of 40 years
– Early June: 1.03 cubic miles (Historical Average: 0.90) – 24th out of 36 years
– Late June: 0.76 cubic miles (Historical Average: 1.27) – 9th out of 34 years
– Early July: 1.20 cubic miles (Historical Average: 1.59) – 11th out of 39 years
– Late July: 0.82 cubic miles (Historical Average: 1.62) – 5th out of 39 years
– Early August: 0.26 cubic miles (Historical Average: 1.31) – 1st out of 37 years
– Late August: 0.77 cubic miles (Historical Average: 1.07) – 10th out of 40 years
– September: 0.56 cubic miles (Historical Average: 0.41) – 26th out of 40 years
It is important to note that hypoxia levels may have been underestimated in July and early August due to mechanical issues with sampling vessels and adverse weather conditions preventing comprehensive data collection.
These findings offer a contrast to the seasonal forecast issued by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and various research institutions, which had anticipated a 4% increase in hypoxic volume for 2024 based on elevated nitrogen levels. Instead, the monitoring data indicated better than expected oxygen conditions.
The survival of crucial bay species, such as crabs, fish, and oysters, relies on adequate oxygen levels. Therefore, scientists and resource managers are dedicating efforts to comprehend the extent and duration of hypoxia and its implications for marine life.
To combat hypoxic conditions in the Chesapeake Bay, sustained efforts are underway to reduce nitrogen and phosphorus pollution originating from agricultural runoff, urban areas, and wastewater sources. These nutrients encourage algal blooms, which subsequently deplete oxygen levels when they decay.
Each year, from May to October, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources calculates hypoxic volumes using data collected in collaboration with the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality. This endeavor is funded by the states and the Chesapeake Bay Program.
The ongoing monitoring and analysis demonstrate a concerted effort toward better water quality in the Chesapeake Bay, reflecting positive steps taken in environmental management and a hopeful outlook for the ecosystem’s health.
For further information and detailed data on Maryland’s water quality and hypoxic volume calculation methods, citizens can visit the Eyes on the Bay website.