Who We Are

Founders Dave and Paula Jasinski grew up playing on and in the Bay. If you are like us, you remember a time when you could swim in the Bay without worrying about high levels of bacteria or harmful algal blooms. And a time when you could eat what you caught without worrying about mercury levels in your dinner. Even if you don't live on the Bay, its health is connected to your own. Whether it is air or water pollution, everyone is affected.

For a healthier Bay, we all have to take responsibility for this place we call home. Cleaning up the Bay isn't just good for fish and oysters, it's better for all of us. That's where our name, Be The Bay, comes in. If we all focus on taking even small steps to create clean air, clean water, and a healthy Bay, we can make drastic changes. All the small steps add up. Incremental steps in the wrong direction got us to this point. So let's shift the momentum back in the other direction.

Everyone wants a cleaner, healthier Bay whether for fishing, swimming, paddling on, or just to call home. Most people just don't realize the impacts their daily lives have on the Bay, or what they could do to minimize these impacts. Look through our tips on what you can do to help protect the Bay region. What could be easier than changing a lightbulb? Or using re-useable bags when packing lunches or grocery shopping? When you have the easy ones down, move on to the next level for extra credit!

We want people to start talking to each other, their neighbors, their elected officials about the health of the Bay. Now that you know a little bit more about us, we want to know more about you! Write to us and share your own Chesapeake stories.