Chesapeake Bay Science, Education, and Ecosystem Enhancement Act of 2009

H.R. 1771, the Chesapeake Bay Science, Education, and Ecosystem Enhancement Act of 2009, updates and expands the role of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in protecting the Chesapeake Bay. The bill authorizes funding for scientific research, the restoration of vital habitats for species like oysters and blue crabs, and the maintenance of a high-tech buoy system that tracks water quality and weather.

For citizens, this legislation supports local economies by protecting the health of the bay’s fisheries and provides grants for environmental education programs in schools throughout the watershed. Additionally, it aids recreational boaters and historians by supporting the development of the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail and ensuring that real-time environmental data remains accessible to the public.