What is the Chesapeake Bay Program's achievement?

The Chesapeake Bay Program has reached its long-term target of opening 300 new public water access sites across the watershed by 2025.

How has the expansion of public access impacted the local economy?

Outdoor recreation and tourism generated $14.3 billion in annual income across the Chesapeake Bay watershed in 2022, and saltwater fishing alone contributed approximately $1.6 billion in sales, more than $800 million in additional economic activity, and supported about 13,000 jobs.

What is the status of Maryland's oyster population?

According to data released by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, Maryland's oyster population has more than tripled over the past two decades, bolstering the state's seafood industry.

Home / Environment / Chesapeake Bay Watershed Achieves 300 New Public Access Sites Goal

Chesapeake Bay Watershed Achieves 300 New Public Access Sites Goal

31 Jul

•

Summary

Chesapeake Bay Program reaches 2025 target of 312 new public access sites
Outdoor recreation and tourism generate $14.3 billion in annual income
Maryland's oyster population more than triples over the past two decades

Chesapeake Bay Watershed Achieves 300 New Public Access Sites Goal

As of July 31, 2025, the Chesapeake Bay Program has achieved its long-term target of opening 312 new public water access sites across the watershed, fulfilling a key commitment of the 2014 Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement. This initiative, which aimed to expand opportunities for boating, fishing, and swimming throughout the Bay Area, has been a resounding success.

The majority of the new access points are located in Maryland, Virginia, and Pennsylvania, which comprise the largest share of the watershed. In total, the region now features 1,451 public access sites, providing ample opportunities for residents and visitors to enjoy the natural beauty of the Chesapeake Bay.

The expansion of public access has also had a significant impact on the local economy. According to the Chesapeake Bay Program, outdoor recreation and tourism generated $14.3 billion in annual income across the watershed in 2022, citing data from the U.S. Census Bureau. Additionally, a Chesapeake Bay Foundation report found that saltwater fishing alone contributed approximately $1.6 billion in sales, more than $800 million in additional economic activity, and supported about 13,000 jobs.

Separately, the Chesapeake Bay Program also announced that it is on track to meet another 2025 goal - restoring oyster reefs in 10 tributaries, including five in Maryland. This is particularly significant, as oysters play a vital role in improving bay health and bolstering Maryland's seafood industry, which generates about $600 million annually. According to data released on Monday by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, the state's oyster population has more than tripled over the past two decades.

Disclaimer: This story has been auto-aggregated and auto-summarised by a computer program. This story has not been edited or created by the Feedzop team.