The Chesapeake Bay Program released its annual 2024-2025 Bay Barometer: Health and Restoration in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed on March 4, 2026, providing the most comprehensive assessment of restoration efforts across the multi-state region as the 2014 Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement reaches its primary target year.
The report, issued from Annapolis, Maryland, compiles verified data from partners including federal agencies, the seven watershed jurisdictions (Delaware, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia), and other collaborators. It tracks progress on all outcomes in the 2014 agreement, with 17 outcomes updated in 2025 using data spanning 2023 to 2025 in some cases.
Key achievements include the completion of large-scale oyster reef restoration in 10 Bay tributaries. Maryland finalized its efforts in the Manokin River in summer 2025, while Virginia completed work in the Lynnhaven River, meeting the 2025 goal for native oyster habitat restoration.
Submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV), or underwater grasses, reached an estimated 83,252 acres in 2024 across the Bay and tidal tributaries. This figure represents 64% of the 130,000-acre target set for 2025, showing advancement but falling short of full attainment.
Tree canopy efforts saw 17,082 acres planted in communities from 2014 to 2024. However, high-resolution land use data revealed a net loss exceeding 28,000 acres of community tree canopy between 2013/14 and 2021/22, highlighting ongoing challenges from development and other factors.
Public access expanded significantly, with 312 new boat ramps, kayak launches, docks, and viewing sites added watershed-wide from 2010 to 2024. This surpassed the 300-site goal established for 2025.
The report arrives amid a transition: The Chesapeake Executive Council approved a revised Watershed Agreement in December 2025, extending commitments through 2040 with updated, science-based, measurable outcomes focused on clean water, thriving habitats, healthy landscapes, and engaged communities.
Maryland Department of Natural Resources Secretary Josh Kurtz noted Maryland’s role, stating the state completed its five tributary-scale oyster projects after a decade of work. He added that oyster populations in Maryland’s Bay portion tripled since 2005, and over 1.5 million trees were planted toward a 5 million goal by 2031. Kurtz emphasized collaboration with other states, federal partners, and locals to revise the agreement for the next 15 years.
Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Jessica Shirley highlighted strategic investments under Governor Josh Shapiro yielding cleaner local waters and Bay contributions, supporting clean water, healthy landscapes, thriving fisheries, habitat, and community engagement.
EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Amy Van Blarcom-Lackey described the Bay Barometer as crucial for the next restoration phase, celebrating successes while advancing toward new data-driven goals to accelerate progress.
The Chesapeake Bay Program coordinates monitoring through an extensive network, with data accessible via ChesapeakeProgress (under update for the revised agreement) and the 2025 Indicator Snapshot on ChesapeakeData.
This release serves as the concluding snapshot for the 2014 framework’s time-bound goals, many pegged to 2025, while setting the stage for intensified efforts under the refreshed pact. Partners continue emphasizing collaborative, long-term actions to address persistent issues like nutrient pollution and habitat recovery in the nation’s largest estuary.
The Bay Barometer underscores measurable milestones in a decades-long restoration initiative involving diverse stakeholders across 64,000 square miles of watershed.