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Chesapeake Trip, The Bay
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We
spent several days exploring the Bay and the surrounding communities.
Coastal habitats and fisheries were the focus of our time there. |
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The highlight of our time on the
bay was a day-long cruise on the historic skipjack Stanley
Norman operated by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. On the
left, we prepare to cross under the Bridge. Above right, the crewman
demonstrates shucking oysters. Oyster production has fallen to a
small fraction of its historic levels. Invasive diseases,
over-production, and pollution all probably share the blame for this.
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The Blackwater National Wildlife
Refuge protects a large area of salt marsh habitat on Maryland's Eastern
shore. Here we saw numerous osprey and bald eagles. We also
say research efforts aimed at controlling Nutria, an invasive species of
rodent that is destructive to the marsh. The refuge gave us a
sense what the pre-colonial bay was like. |
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Though not part of the Bay, we
crossed over the Delmarva Peninsula to visit Maryland' Atlantic Coast.
On the left, Dr. Dean McCurdy, Albion College biologist, shows students invertebrates in a
salt marsh on Assateaque Island. Above right, Ocean City, due north of
Assateaque, shows the over-development of a similar habitat.
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How can you
appreciate the seafood for which the Bay is famous without sampling it?
We spent a lively evening in an eastern shore "crab shack". Our
server was a fourth generation waterman, who spent her spare time
helping students see the issues from commercial fisherman's point of
view. Sadly, the crabs we were served came from Louisiana. |
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Next:
Restoration Efforts
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For more information, contact Dr. Tim Lincoln, Institute for
the Study of the Environment, Albion College, Albion MI 49224.
Phone (517) 629-0486 – e-mail tlincoln@albion.edu
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