| Coastal Bays Releases 2013 Report Card |
The 2013 Coastal Bays Report Card has been released, issuing a C+ with minor improvements from last year. We found seagrass declines and increased phosphorous levels in all areas. Hard clam densities remain largely unchanged with the exception of Sinepuxent Bay, where clam densities are increasing steadily. Check out this report on our website: www.mdcoastalbays.org |
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With help from all of our local, state, and federal partners we have successfully updated our Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan. It is an update from our original CCMP which dictates what MCBP does on a day to day basis. The plan streamlines the total number of actions from 505 to 222 while adding activities related to dredge spoil management and climate adaptation and resilience. During the past 15 years partners worked together to complete some 80 percent of the current management plan.The primary goals of the new plan remain to improve water quality, fisheries, and biological diversity in the coastal bays watershed.Thanks to everyone who worked so hard in developing this improved plan!
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Activities called for in both the new Coastal Bays Management Plan and the TMDL implementation plan will aim to slow the decline in seagrass acreage.
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| Final TMDLs approved for Maryland's Coastal Bays |
August 7th, 2014 marked a breakthrough for nutrient reduction in Maryland's Coastal Bays. New total maximum daily loads (TMDL) for nitrogen and phosphorous call for major reductions in nutrient input to our coastal bays. The goal will be reduction of excessive algal blooms and an increase in dissolved oxygen levels. Partners will begin meeting this month to put together a plan to meet the goals. See the final report: TMDL final MD Coastal Bays
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| Bishopville Dam Project Update |
Ground breaking for the Bishopville Dam Stream Restoration Project took place on Aug 19, 2014. The project will allow fish access to upper Bunting Branch as well as sequester the rich organic sediment at the bottom of the pond. The dam was broached and the pond allowed to de-water and dry out. Earth moving should be completed by mid-October. The restoration will consist of a stream and a series of step pools that will be planted with native vegetation. A smaller pond will remain alongside the stream. For more information on the project contact Roman Jesien, [email protected]
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MCBP interns Amanda Poskaitis and Kyle Kowalczyk confer on fish identification. Sampling was conducted in area streams to monitor stream health. Amanda is a recent graduate of the dual degree program and has been employed at MCBP since May. Kyle returns to Salisbury University to complete his dual degree (with the University of Maryland Eastern Shore) in Biology/Marine Science.
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| Volunteer Opportunities and Fundraisers | |
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We always have lots of great opportunities. If you don't see one below that interests you, please contact us.
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International Coast Day
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Join MCBP, OC Surf Club, Ocean Conservancy, Delmarva Power and the Town of Ocean City for our annual Ocean City International Coast Day clean up celebration, Saturday, September 20th, 10 am, at the Ocean City town hall on 3rd street
Thanks to Delmarva Power, you'll receive a commemorative tee shirt, along with trash bags and gloves. You can pick your area of preference to pick up trash or can receive an area assignment at registration. For information or advanced registration email Sandi at [email protected]
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15th Annual Osprey Triathlon
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This year's event will be held Saturday, October 4.
We will need plenty of volunteers so please contact Sandi at [email protected]. We are looking for help with setup Friday morning, registration Friday evening, and event help Saturday morning from set-up, to directionals to take down.
Registration is still open for those interested in competing in the Osprey Sprint Triathlon.
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| Lizard Hill Invasive Species Removal |
There are plant species threatening one of our most beautiful restoration sites, Lizard Hill. Volunteer help is needed. If interested please contact Amanda Poskaitis at [email protected]
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Weekend work for the Assateague Ventures!
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If anyone is interested in flexible part time hours working at our Beach Hut, please contact Sandi at [email protected]
or call 410-213-2297 ext 106. The Hut will be closing mid October but will re-open mid May of 2015.
We will also need help at our the Rental stand for 2015 season as well!
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