The Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) recently released their 2016 report card assessing the state of the bay. The Foundation is committed to preserving the Bay through pollution reduction, protection and rehabilitation of the habitats and encouraging sustainable fish management.
The CBF gave the Bay a C-, an improvement over 2014's D+. CBF President William Baker is pleased with the improvement, but concedes it is "a grade that is far from acceptable." Oxygen levels have increased though levels of toxins have stagnated withut reduction. The Maryland Blue Crab population improved though oyster numbers have decreased.
The quality of the Bay also impacts the Chesapeake Watershed, a network of above and below ground waterways that feed the water table extending from the bay into Western Virginia and Southern New York.
Will Baker will join Smart Talk with Harry Campbell, Executive Director of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation's Pennsylvania Office. They will discuss the positives and negatives of the report, discuss the impact on the regional economy and the water safety for those living within the watershed.
Then, Governor Wolf has assigned this week as "Teen Health Week." Speakers from the state Department of Health will address issues including diet and exercise, mental health resources, sexual health and substance abuse.
Pennsylvania Deputy Secretary of Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Dr. Loren Robinson will discuss the health issues teens struggle with and the programs that will address them during "Teen Health Week."