This will make you want to sail the Chesapeake!

[Warren Milberg]

They may be following, and eating, the many schools of menhaden

 

[Twidget]

We are truly fortunate, I see Bald Eagles Great Blue Herons, and all sorts of waterfowl flying down the canal behind the house. You could explore the bay for a lifetime and not see it all.

 

[Gunni]

They may be following, and eating, the many schools of menhaden

I think you are right Warren, the appearance of Dolphin in the Middle Bay has coincided with the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission restrictions on the harvest of Menhaden in the Mid-Atlantic. The Lower Bay and even Herring Bay are Menhaden nurseries. More rockfish being caught too.

 

[Dan_Y]

I think you are right Warren, the appearance of Dolphin in the Middle Bay has coincided with the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission restrictions on the harvest of Menhaden in the Mid-Atlantic. The Lower Bay and even Herring Bay are Menhaden nurseries. More rockfish being caught too.

Last year in late August we were at the mouth of the Elizabeth River, just a few miles away from where we took that photo, and saw a large pod swimming past. I would guess 50 - 75 in the pod. Was truly amazing seeing that many at one time here. Saw a few large turtles catching their breath last Saturday as well. No photos so it didn't happen...haha

 

[Gunni]

...remarkable given the formerly awful state of the Elizabeth!

 

[MattObjects]

I attribute this to an ever cleaner bay, with a healthier fishery and restrictions on commercial menhaden extraction.

That and the fact that much of the area that supplies the Susquehanna River basin (the largest source of fresh water for the Bay) has had unusually low rainfall this year. Less fresh water flowing into the northern bay means the salt water line is much father north than usual, and saltwater creatures are farther north as well. We had crab pots all over the North East River this year and saw nettles as far north as the Sassafras River.

 

[Gunni]

Good points, less rainfall in the Susquehanna basin also meant the bay's largest nutrient pollution source was reduced and the Bay deadzone reduced - healthier fishery.