The Batten School of William & Mary, along with the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) and Anchor QEA, has released their 2024 Dead Zone Report Card, which highlights hypoxic conditions (low-oxygen zones) in the Chesapeake Bay for the year 2023. According to the report, the dead zone in the Bay this year was slightly larger than the long-term average (from 1985-2023) but existed for a shorter duration.
Dead zones occur in deep waters when oxygen levels drop below two milligrams per liter, making it challenging for marine life, such as fish and blue crabs, to survive. Hypoxic conditions in the Chesapeake Bay are influenced by a variety of factors, including nutrient inputs, wind patterns, and temperature, and are a vital indicator of the estuary’s health.
Marjy Friedrichs, a professor at the Batten School and co-author of the report, indicated that this year’s dead zone emerged in early May, peaking in June—earlier than typical historical patterns, which usually see peaks in July or early August. While initial hypoxic levels were above average, they experienced a significant drop after Hurricane Debby passed in early August, with low levels of hypoxia remaining until early October.
Despite the hypoxia duration being shorter this year, the overall volume was higher than the long-term average, suggesting that while conditions improved in some respects, challenges remain. The Chesapeake Bay Program monitors these conditions closely, utilizing data from both the Dead Zone Report Card and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ Final Hypoxia Report, which stems from regular monitoring efforts.
The findings indicate that the past few years have witnessed near or below-average hypoxia levels, which Friedrichs asserts is encouraging and indicative of the efficacy of the nutrient management strategies in place to support the health of the Bay. However, she cautions that continued efforts are necessary to combat the potential impacts of climate change on water quality.
The annual Dead Zone Report Card, which serves as a crucial tool for tracking the health of the Bay, is accessible on the Batten School and VIMS website, where visitors can also find real-time estimates of various water quality metrics, including salinity and temperature.
In summary, while this year presented some challenges regarding hypoxia in the Chesapeake Bay, there are glimmers of hope that ongoing management practices are yielding positive results. Continued vigilance and adaptation will be essential as we face the impacts of climate change on marine ecosystems.