The “dead zones” in the Chesapeake Bay—areas with little to no oxygen in the water—remain a significant concern for aquatic life, with recent reports indicating no reduction in their size. WBOC reports Maryland’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR) revealed that dead zones in the bay have slightly increased compared to last year’s record lows. According to the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, these zones, which harm marine and plant life, were about average this year, affecting roughly 10% to 13% of the bay.