Final answer:
The sixth state in the alphabetical list of six states that make up the Chesapeake Bay watershed is West Virginia. The bay's dying ecosystem is affected by runoff containing excess nutrients from fertilizers, necessitating broad cooperation for restoration.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Chesapeake Bay watershed encompasses a vast region that includes parts of six states. Understanding the geographic spread of this area is important in relation to environmental science and conservation efforts. The six states in alphabetical order are Delaware, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia. Therefore, the sixth state alphabetically is West Virginia.
The declining health of the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem has been a concern since the 1970s, with identified dead zones having a significant impact on local species like fish, clams, oysters, and worms. This decline is attributed to various factors, including surface water runoff containing excess nutrients from artificial fertilizers, which stem from both agricultural and urban areas.
The situation exemplifies the complexity of ecosystem preservation and the necessity for interstate cooperation across industry, agriculture, and homeowners to achieve restoration and conservation goals.