Part of the National Estuary Program, the Maryland Coastal Bays Program is a non-profit partnership between the towns of Ocean City and Berlin, Worcester County, the National Park Service, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the Maryland Departments of Natural Resources, Agriculture, Environment and Planning.

One of only 28 such programs nationwide, our goal is to protect and enhance the watershed. The watershed includes more than 189,000 acres of land, 71,000 acres of water, 248 miles of shoreline, and nearly 35,000 acres of wetlands.

Since 1996 the Maryland Coastal Bays Program has worked to weave economic and environmental prosperity into one.

Through education and outreach programs, restoration projects and involvement with the business community, builders, residents, visitors and government leaders, the Maryland Coastal Bays Program works to improve water quality, protect habitat and enhance forests and wetlands.