Maryland Coastal Bays Program | Current Projects
Outreach & Community Involvement
Seal Appeal
Partnering with the National Aquarium’s Marine Animal Rescue Program through a grant provided by
Prescott Marine Mammal Recue Assistance, MCBP is providing public outreach on seals and their natural
behaviors. Seal sightings in Delmarva, both in the bays and oceans, are occurring more frequently. With
help from citizens, MCBP, MARP and other partners are aiming to create a source of information on
local seal habits to aide scientists in the conservation of this significant species.
Turtle Count
MCBP is partnering with the DNR Heritage Program, the Smithsonian, the National Aquarium, and
university researchers on a new initiative designed to better understand the population status of
terrapins in the coastal bays. Coastal Bays Program volunteers help count turtles on designated dates
every year and researches are gathering data on nesting beaches to help identify management options.
Baltimore Aquarium display
The Maryland Coastal Bays Program teamed up with its sister estuary program in Delaware, the Center
for the Inland Bays, to create a mobile display with the National Aquarium in Baltimore. With help from
aquarium staff and a grant from EPA and the Association of National Estuary Programs, the interactive
display educates homeowners on what they can do to lessen their impact on bays and rivers.
Clean ups
The business community in Ocean City and Berlin has been very generous to the Coastal Bays Program,
donating more than $100,000 every year. In turn, the program undertakes several cleanups in the
municipalities and watershed annually when more than 1,200 volunteers come out to show their
support for the Coastal Bays Program and the fragile ecosystem it helps to protect.
Citizen and Scientist Involvement
The monthly and bi-monthly meetings of the Citizens Advisory Committee, Implementation Committee,
Scientific and Technical Advisory Committee and Coastal Fisheries Advisory Committee continue to
direct policy through citizen participation and sound science.
Media
MCBP’s strength lies in its uncanny ability to engage the public through its excellent relations with the
press. MCBP publishes a weekly column on a variety of issues in three local newspapers. The program
has regularly running TV and radio PSAs, a monthly educational TV show, and last year appeared in 30
radio and TV programs and 197 newspaper articles. Staff gives more than 30 presentations to local
community groups each year and a monthly newsletter is sent to 3,000 people.
Go Green Socials
In order to engage the community on up and coming environmental opportunities, MCBP is reaching out
to local communities by hosting ‘Go Green Happy Hour and Socials.’ Area non- profits are invited to
participate with MCBP on the informal meet and greets to get the word out about the work they are
engaged in. Socials are quarterly and are held at various community venues.
410 213-2297
9919 Stephen Decatur Hwy – Suite 4, Ocean City, Maryland 21842
www.mdcoastalbays.org