How does turbidity impact life in the Chesapeake Bay?

Muddy waters mean trouble for the Chesapeake Bay! High turbidity makes it difficult for fish and other bay organisms to survive. Here's why:

• The Chesapeake Bay and its rivers carry huge amounts of sediment that impacts how clear or muddy the water is. Although sediments are a natural part of the Bay ecosystem, too much sediment is undesirable. Sediments suspended in the water column cause the water to become cloudy (turbid), decreasing the light available for underwater grasses. As those sediments settle to the bottom of the Bay or rivers they can smother bottom-dwelling plants and animals, such as oysters and clams.
• High turbidity can also result in poor fish health by reducing the ability of fish's gills to extract DO from the water. This can cause stress in fish and make them more susceptible to infectious diseases. Areas of high turbidity can also cause heavy silting over of benthic habitats, which essentially bury the organisms that live in this bottom environment.

Chesapeake Bay Program Mike Land/ Chesapeake Bay Program

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