Thomas C. CWSF’23

Maritime Transportation in the Chesapeake Bay

Thomas Callahan, maritime enthusiast and soon-to-be Maine Maritime Academy student, chose to research shipping in the Chesapeake Bay. Thomas shared all kinds of interesting data about the importance of the Ports of Norfolk and Baltimore and about the shipping channels that massive cargo ships use to make their way up the Bay. He uncovered that there are an array of environmental concerns in relation to shipping. In particular, he shared about noise pollution, air pollution, habitat destruction, and the spread of invasive species through ballast water. Thomas was able to take advantage of this project by diving into a topic that he knew he wanted to pursue in his future academic and professional life. What a way to kick off the beginning of his next journey!

“One thing I learned a lot about, and found really interesting, is the sound pollution that comes off ships. I knew all ships gave off sounds, but I never thought they were an environmental impact. I learned that sounds can affect a lot of the functions and daily habits of marine life,” said Thomas.