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The Chesapeake Bay is an important geographic feature in [[Maryland]] and [[Virginia]]. The Bay watershed drains 64,000 square miles of land. Aproximately 200 miles long and between 4 to 30 miles wide, the Chesapeake Bay is one of the major estuaries of the eastern seaboard of the United States. <ref>http://www.dnr.state.md.us/bay/education/faq/ques1.html</ref>  

The Chesapeake Bay is an important geographic feature in [[Maryland]] and [[Virginia]]. The Bay watershed drains 64,000 square miles of land. Aproximately 200 miles long and between 4 to 30 miles wide, the Chesapeake Bay is one of the major estuaries of the eastern seaboard of the United States. <ref>http://www.dnr.state.md.us/bay/education/faq/ques1.html</ref>  

The bay, its rivers and wetlands are part of a complex system which provides sanctuary, food and habitat for complex and intertwined groups of species. Many types of fish begin their life here or migrate through these waters. Shellfish such as crabs, clams and oysters are abundant. Grasses, plankton and other plant life help support the web of life found here. <ref>http://www.chesapeakebay.net/about.htm</ref>  

The bay, its rivers and wetlands are part of a complex system which provides sanctuary for complex and intertwined groups of species. Many types of fish begin their life here or migrate through these waters. Shellfish such as crabs, clams and oysters are abundant. Grasses, plankton and other plant life help support the web of life found here. <ref>http://www.chesapeakebay.net/about.htm</ref>  

It is claimed that the Bay's oyster population has declined dramatically since the late 1970's. This decline was blamed on nutrient pollution and loss of oyster reef habitat, but a large part of the decline is probably the result of over-harvesting and disease. Since that time, strict harvesting strictions were imposed. Pollution awareness campaings have attempted to reduce the impact of people living in the Bay watershed. The oyster population seems to be recovering slowly. <ref>http://www.chesapeakebay.net/about.htm</ref>   

It is claimed that the Bay's oyster population has declined dramatically since the late 1970's. This decline was blamed on nutrient pollution and loss of oyster reef habitat, but a large part of the decline is probably the result of over-harvesting and disease. Since that time, strict harvesting strictions were imposed. Pollution awareness campaings have attempted to reduce the impact of people living in the Bay watershed. The oyster population seems to be recovering slowly. <ref>http://www.chesapeakebay.net/about.htm</ref>