BBC: The first American climate refugees? Rising sea levels threaten the 500 residents of Tangier Island in the Chesapeake Bay

The disappearing island in the Chesapeake Bay

BBC, 25 October 2011Help

Tangier Island lies in the middle of the Chesapeake Bay and is 92 miles (148 km) southeast of Washington, DC. This small piece of land is barely above sea level, and its 500 residents are fighting for its survival.

First settled in 1686, the island at times had over 1,200 residents and during the War of 1812 it served as a staging area for British soldiers.

Now fishing restrictions, erosion and rising sea levels have resulted in most of the younger members of this tightly knit community looking for opportunities elsewhere.

The BBC's Franz Strasser went to Tangier Island to see how the remaining islanders are coping with a difficult future.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-15395685