The Chesapeake Bay and its 64,000-square-mile watershed provide habitat to more than 3,600 species of fish, animals, and plants. Many of these species are ecologically, economically, and culturally important to the region, and to the nation. Historically, the Chesapeake has been a rich source of oysters, crabs, fish, and other seafood. However, increasing amounts of sediment and pollution have caused serious problems in the Bay, including to the loss of habitat for these valuable species.

The NOAA Chesapeake Bay Office recognizes the vital role of coastal habitat in the health of the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem and works to conserve and restore wetlands, oyster reefs, submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV, or underwater grasses), shorelines, and open-water areas.

NCBO staff member Peter Bergstrom has co-authored a new underwater grasses guide. New guide covers the species found in estuaries along the Atlantic coast from North Carolina to New England. 2006 Ecological Forecast Predictions on Dissolved Oxygen, Algal Blooms, and Underwater Grasses for Summer 2005