Baykeeper
Baykeeper is a nonprofit that works to protect the San Francisco Bay and its watershed through science, advocacy, and legal action. Founded in 1989 by scientist Dr. Michael Herz, Baykeeper is the only organization that regularly patrols the Bay to investigate pollution and hold polluters accountable. Over the years, Baykeeper has achieved over 300 legal and policy victories, donating the funds from these settlements to local community groups.
“There’s a staggering number of contaminated sites around the Bay, many of which are capped landfills. The tide is like a pump. Over time, with tides and sea level rise, contaminated water under caps could be siphoned into the Bay.”
Ian Wren, Scientist
Focus
- Toxic pollution
- Policy advocacy
- Litigation
- Sea level rise
Baykeeper’s focus is on protecting the Bay from pollution through investigation, advocacy, and litigation. Their team of field scientists regularly patrols the Bay with boats and drones to document pollution, like toxic runoff and oil spills. Baykeeper has a team of attorneys and advocates who fight for better protections and hold polluters accountable. As sea level rise threatens to flood toxic sites, Baykeeper is also pushing for local climate adaptation.
Get Involved
You can report pollution in the Bay at Baykeeper’s hotline 1-800-KEEP-BAY or by email at hotline. Volunteers can participate in independent beach cleanups or sign letters to the local government to advocate for the Bay.
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