Historically, more than 200,000 acres of grasses grew along the shoreline of the Bay. By 1984, a survey of Bay grasses documented only 37,000 acres in the Bay and its tidal tributaries. Declining water quality, disturbance of grass beds and alteration of shallow water habitat all contributed to the Bay-wide decline. The absence of grasses translates into a loss of food and habitat for many Chesapeake Bay species. However, Bay grasses have rebounded steadily since the low point in 1984.
Water quality is the key to restoring grasses.
Each species is an important source of food for waterfowl. Bay grasses are making a comeback, however. Water quality is beginning to improve due to the ban of phosphates in detergents, reduction of fertilizer use by farmers and homeowners, protection of shallow water habitat and the reduction of nutrients in sewage effluent.