THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT 
              Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: Monday, March 11, 1996                 TAG: 9603110086
SECTION: LOCAL                    PAGE: B2   EDITION: FINAL 
SOURCE: NEWPORT NEWS DAILY PRESS 
DATELINE: RICHMOND                           LENGTH: Medium:   53 lines

BAY'S BETTER, BUT STILL PLAGUED BY POLLUTION STATE REPORT BLAMES BYPRODUCTS OF FARMS, SEWAGE AND FACTORIES FOR HIGH ALGAE LEVELS.

The health of the Chesapeake Bay has improved somewhat, but significant water quality problems remain, according to a report released by Secretary of Natural Resources Becky Norton Dunlop.

The main problems are related to high concentrations of nutrients, primarily phosphorous and nitrogen from factories, sewage plants and farms, the report released last week says. These, in turn, lead to explosions in algae populations and low levels of oxygen in the water.

Phosphorous levels in the main stem of the bay are decreasing, the report says, and nitrogen and phosphorous levels are declining in some parts of the James and Rappahannock rivers.

But nutrient levels have increased in other areas and remain too high overall, the report says.

The report also discusses the health of several types of plants and animals, including the fish and shellfish that support Virginia's seafood industry. The report says the abundance of oysters are at historic low levels; blue crabs are in a ``low phase,'' and the spring runs of migratory fish, including American shad and blueback herring, are ``currently depressed.''

One continuing bright spot, the report says, is striped bass, which have returned in abundance to the bay after years of protection by strict government restrictions on fishing.

Underwater grasses - a basic link in the food chain and a good indication of the overall health of the bay - have shown a modest comeback over the past decade, but ``their complete recovery continues to be inhibited by poor water quality conditions in many areas,'' the report says. Underwater vegetation in the tributaries have shown very little improvement.

Bottom-dwelling organisms appear to be healthy, except in portions of the James and Rappahannock, the report says.

Dunlop delivered her report to the General Assembly Thursday, as required by law. She highlighted strategies for making further improvements to the bay, stressing the need for the state to work with local governments and the private sector.

``Efforts to conserve and enhance the bay will succeed by tapping the myriad ideas, talents and energy of Virginians, their community organizations, businesses and local governments,'' Dunlop said in a statement.

KEYWORDS: CHESAPEAKE BAY POLLUTION by CNB