For the first time since the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science Chesapeake Bay Report Card scores have been calculated, the positive trajectory that was reported in recent years is now statistically significant. This is important evidence that the positive trend in ecosystem health is real, and that efforts to improve conditions in the Bay are working. The largest estuary in the nation scored a C grade (54%) in the 2017 report card, one of the highest scores calculated. Punctuating this news is the improved A+ (95%) grade for fish populations