Chesapeake Bay is the largest estuary in the country and the third largest in the world. An estuary is a semi-enclosed coastal body of water with a free connection to the open ocean where fresh water from inland rivers mixes with saltwater from the ocean. The bay contains about 18 trillion gallons of water. That amount of water would fill more than fifty billion bathtubs by the edge.
Home to more than 18 million people and 3,600 species of plants and animals, the Chesapeake Bay watershed is truly an extraordinary place. The bay's watershed, which spans six states and the District of Columbia, never ceases to amaze with its rich history, vital economic importance and astounding beauty. Below is just a sample of some of the impressive facts and figures about our wonderful watershed. Chesapeake Bay is the largest estuary in the United States.
It runs north to south from the mouth of the Susquehanna River to the Atlantic Ocean. It is one of the most productive estuaries in the world, with more than 3,600 species of animals and plants. The bay provides vitally important habitats for wildlife, many recreational opportunities for people, and is an important fishery on which both people and wildlife depend. An estuary is a body of water where salt water (from the ocean) and fresh water mix on a coast.
Chesapeake Bay is the second largest estuary in the world (the San Lorenzo waterway wins the honor of being the largest). Chesapeake Bay has a navigable surface of 5,000 square miles fed by a 64,300-square-mile drainage basin with approximately 12,000 miles of shoreline. This means endless locations for sailing, renting day trips, overnight stays, week-long excursions and much more. During the 17th and 18th centuries, Chesapeake Bay thrived as a center of agriculture and commerce.
Tobacco cultivation became the backbone of the economy, with plantations that dotted the landscape and relied on the bay for transportation. The strategic location of the bay facilitated trade routes, connecting the colonies with Europe and the Caribbean. This economic boom led to the establishment of several important towns and cities, including Annapolis, which would later become the capital of Maryland and an important political center of the nascent nation. For those who prefer a more relaxed experience, Chesapeake Bay also has several panoramic viewpoints and oceanfront parks.
The Chesapeake Bay watershed, which spans six states, spans more than 64,000 square miles and encompasses parts of six states: Delaware, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia, and the entire District of Columbia. It sank the same year in the Potomac River, off Chesapeake Bay, following a high-powered test organized by the U. Human beings have occupied the Chesapeake Bay area for at least 12,000 years, although the exact chronology is unknown. Response of a benthic suspension feeder (Crassostrea virginica Gmelin) to three centuries of anthropogenic eutrophication in Chesapeake Bay. The Chesapeake Bay watershed includes parts of six states and is home to some 17 million people, including cities in Washington, D.
Beyond its historic importance, Chesapeake Bay also offers exceptional opportunities for outdoor recreation. Chesapeake Bay plays an extremely important role in the economies of Maryland, Virginia and Pennsylvania, in addition to the ecosystem. Sustainable tourism initiatives not only benefit the environment, but they also improve the overall visitor experience, making Chesapeake Bay a responsible travel model. The Chesapeake Bay Area is filled with attractions and activities that suit a wide range of interests.
In addition, many accommodations and restaurants in the Chesapeake Bay Area are adopting sustainable practices, such as sourcing local ingredients, minimizing waste and using green products. Whether you're exploring the shoreline by boat or taking a stroll along the beaches, the natural beauty of Chesapeake Bay is sure to leave a lasting impression on every visitor. The Chesapeake Bay Flotilla, which was built with shallow barges and ships to counter British naval attacks during the War of 1812. With so much to see and do, the Chesapeake Bay Area promises an unforgettable adventure for all travelers. Whether you're exploring its historic cities, enjoying delicious local cuisine, or participating in outdoor adventures, Chesapeake Bay promises a rich and rewarding.