The Chesapeake Bay

The Chesapeake Bay is a large body of water on the east coast of the United States. It is an estuary, which means fresh water from rivers mixes with salt water from the ocean. The bay touches the states of Maryland and Virginia.

The Bay and Its Rivers

More than 150 rivers and streams flow into the Chesapeake Bay. The largest is the Susquehanna River. The bay is about 200 miles long but only about 14 miles wide in most places. It is not very deep, averaging only about 21 feet.

Life in the Bay

The Chesapeake Bay is famous for its blue crabs, oysters, and fish. Many birds stop at the bay during their migration. The bay also supports a large fishing industry. People work hard to keep the bay clean and healthy for the animals that depend on it.

Fun Facts

• The Chesapeake Bay is about 200 miles long.
• Blue crabs from the Chesapeake Bay are famous for their delicious taste.
• The bay was formed at the end of the last ice age when sea levels rose and flooded a river valley.

Did You Know?

The word Chesapeake comes from a Native American word meaning great shellfish bay!