A local Algonquin translation of the name is Great Water or Great Shellfish Bay. It stretches to about two hundred miles and its maximum depth is two hundred feet. Just off the Atlantic Ocean, it surrounds both Virginia and Maryland. It drains into six states namely Maryland, New York, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Delaware and District of Columbia.
It has been recorded that over three hundred species of aquatic animals reside in it, whether they live there around or through migration during the warmer months of the year. Most notable of them are the striped bass, blue crab, Eastern oyster, and American eel. Different kinds of birds like the Piping Plover and Bald eagle also inhabit the area. Some submerged plants also grow underwater. Trees like the red maple are also grown in the surrounding area.
Most of America’s supply of the blue crab comes from this estuary. Most of the locals occupation is fishing. Due to pollution, fishing industry has slowly decline. Fortunately, local governments encourage oyster farming to counter the effects.
To get to the area, there are two bridges that can be crossed. One of these bridges start from Sandy Point in Maryland and crosses over to Kent Island. The other bridge originates from Virginia Beach in Virginia and connects to Cape Charles. Tourists can also go around it using a boat. They can hire a boat operator or ride in cruise ships that are available in major ports.
Known to be the watershed of over one hundred rivers, it houses unique views of the Wye River and LaTrapp Creek. Travelers can also dine in many diners that offer the estuary’s specialty dish which is the blue crab.
Recent years see pictures of Chesapeake Bay enduring a heavy environmental deterioration due to pollution and algae growth. However, reforms that are enacted by most fishermen and locals are being supported by most citizens and tourists alike. Read more about: This entry was posted in Cameras and tagged Cameras on .