Data collected by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Old Dominion University showed an above average volume of hypoxia—waters with less than 2 mg/l of oxygen—in the Chesapeake Bay mainstem of Maryland and Virginia in early August, that then decreased to below average in late August and September.
Early August hypoxia remained consistent with late July with a volume of 1.85 cubic miles. and the tenth-highest early August volume in the past 38 years sampled. Anoxia – waters with less than 0.2 mg/l oxygen – was more than double the average at a volume of 0.54 cubic miles.
Hypoxia volumes decreased in late August to just below average, and anoxia also decreased to 0.06 cubic miles, one-third of average observed volumes.
September saw a further decrease in hypoxia volumes to less than half the average volume, and no anoxia was present; however, mechanical issues during the Sept. 15-17 cruise resulted in some missing data in the mainstem Bay around the Maryland/Virginia state line.
So, basically, not much different than the past. I'm sure glad we spent a lot of the $25 Billion Bay Diet on fixing hypoxia. But at least the bureaucracy is healthy.
The Wombat has Rule 5 Sunday: Barbara Eden up and garnering clicks at The Other McCain.
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