Baltimore Harbor Earns 'C' Grade, Otters Return but Challenges Persist

According to the 2025 Healthy Harbor Report Card released on October 10th, 2025, Baltimore's Inner Harbor earned a 'C' grade for its overall ecosystem health in 2024. This grade has held steady in recent years, indicating a mix of improvements and ongoing challenges.

The report highlighted some positive developments, such as the return of river otters and the thriving oyster population. Over 1.6 million oysters have been cultivated in the harbor since 2013, and Waterfront Partnership aims to grow 5 million more over the next five years. Additionally, improved oxygen levels reflect major infrastructure upgrades and nutrient-reduction efforts across the region.

However, the report also noted persistent issues, including algae blooms fueled by nutrient pollution from stormwater runoff and wastewater. Chlorophyll levels, an indicator of algae growth, fell to a 'D' in 2024, the lowest mark since 2010. A September turnover event also caused oxygen levels to drop to zero overnight, triggering a fish kill that left thousands of Atlantic menhaden dead.

Waterfront Partnership remains committed to monitoring water quality and expanding safe recreation opportunities in the harbor. The group plans to build on the success of the first public swim in more than 40 years last summer. Meanwhile, the Mr. Trash Wheel family collected 278,000 beverage containers in 2024, highlighting the ongoing challenge of reducing litter.