May 23, 2001
Algae Blooms and Bay Grasses: Effects of Mahogany Tide |
Mahogany tides of 2000 may have been a factor in bay grass die-backs in the Middle Chesapeake Bay area. Large dieoffs of seagrasses were documented in Eastern Bay, the Chester River and other mid-salinity areas. The most extensive Mahogany Tides in 20 years reduced water clarity in these areas, blocking sunlight from reaching underwater plants during the critical spring growth period. |
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