There are approximately 4,360 miles of tidal shoreline within the Maryland portion of the Chesapeake Bay watershed. 1,341 miles of tidal shoreline have been identified as eroding at various yearly rates. In addition, approximately 14,063 miles of fresh water streams, an integral part of the Chesapeake Bay watershed system, are experiencing intermittent erosion problems. Shoreline and streambank erosion not only result in the loss of land and the reduction of riparian buffer areas and wildlife habitat, but have also been identified as major contributors of sediment to the waters of Maryland. Approximately 5.1 million cubic yards of sediments are delivered annually to the Chesapeake Bay.
Sedimentation increases nutrient pollution and degrades water quality.
Shore Erosion Control provides assistance to Maryland property owners in resolving shoreline and streambank erosion problems. Since 1968, Shore Erosion Control has assisted numerous property owners and established more than 800 structural projects and 325 non-structural projects. Property owners in Maryland can request technical assistance and financial assistance from Shore Erosion Control. Non-structural shore erosion control projects are those that use bioengineering to create protective vegetative buffers. In addition to stabilizing streambanks and shorelines, vegetative buffers will create near-shore habitat for aquatic species and waterfowl.