A longtime Lusby resident and candidate for Calvert County Commissioner has reported observing multiple mass mortality events along the shoreline of Calvert Cliffs State Park in February 2026, documenting large numbers of dead mature rockfish, blue crabs, double-crested cormorants, seagulls, and other marine life between the Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant and the Cove Point LNG facility.
Patrick E. Flaherty, who has hiked the park nearly daily for 15 years, including through severe winter conditions, first noted the incidents in February. On February 23 alone, he captured 118 photographs of the affected area. The die-offs involved rockfish measuring 25–30 inches or larger, along with substantial numbers of crabs and birds, including approximately 8–10 double-crested cormorants and various seagulls.
Flaherty forwarded details to the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE), which responded promptly and initiated an investigation. He plans to follow up this week with the assigned field investigator for any updates on findings or potential causes. He emphasized the significance of these events given rockfish—Maryland’s state fish—already experiencing serious population declines due to factors like habitat challenges and fishing pressures. The incidents raise concerns for commercial watermen, recreational anglers, and broader Chesapeake Bay ecosystem health.
The affected shoreline lies near the Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant and the Dominion Energy Cove Point LNG export terminal, a stretch now under consideration for a proposed major Amazon data center development. Flaherty provided a press release outlining his observations and offered to share high-resolution photos for review. He included sample images showing dead rockfish and crabs next to a dog collar radio controller measuring 7.5 inches for scale.
No public statements from MDE or other agencies have confirmed the cause of the reported die-offs as of March 3, 2026. Maryland’s Fish Kill Investigation Program, managed by MDE, handles reports of dead or distressed aquatic life, attributing such events to factors like natural water chemistry changes, low oxygen levels, biological shifts, pollution, or other human-related activities. Reports can be directed to MDE at 800-285-8195 during business hours.
Rockfish populations in the Chesapeake Bay have faced ongoing management challenges, with recent regulatory discussions focusing on measures like potential August fishing closures to reduce summer catch-and-release mortality, which can spike in warmer, low-oxygen conditions. Juvenile recruitment has remained below average for several years, compounding pressures on the species.
Flaherty, a small business owner and past candidate, announced his run for Calvert County Commissioner (District 1) in late February 2026 during a Board of County Commissioners meeting, citing concerns over local governance and development issues. He stressed his long-term residency in Lusby and commitment to environmental stewardship in Calvert County.
These observations occur amid broader regional water quality concerns, including recent sewage-related incidents in the Potomac River and periodic fish kills linked to oxygen depletion or temperature shifts elsewhere in Maryland waters. The Calvert Cliffs area draws significant recreational use, including fishing, due to its proximity to the Bay.
Flaherty expressed willingness to speak on the record and provide further details or the full set of photographs to support continued investigation and public awareness.
Editor’s Note/Disclaimer: This article was rewritten from a press release suppied by Patrick Flaherty, who is also running for District 1 County Commissioner in Calvert County
