Friends of Casco Bay/Casco BAYKEEPER®
Launching an international movement
The Casco BAYKEEPER®, under the umbrella of Friends
of Casco Bay, is a founding member of WATERKEEPER® ALLIANCE, an international environmental movement that began on New York’s Hudson River, where commercial
and recreational fishermen united to save the river
from polluters. The Waterkeeper concept evolved from
gamekeepers in Great Britain who were responsible for
maintaining private trout and salmon streams for
wealthy landowners. The American interpretation of
this role safeguards our waterways for
the entire population.
What does it mean to be a WATERKEEPER®?
Waterkeepers, whether Riverkeepers, Soundkeepers, Bayoukeepers, or Baykeepers,
all share the same mission: to defend their water bodies by responding to citizen
concerns, advocating compliance with environmental laws, and working to resolve
pollution problems that threaten their waterways. The Board of WATERKEEPER® ALLIANCE reviews and certifies every program that seeks to call itself Waterkeeper.
As a founding member of Waterkeeper Alliance , Friends of Casco Bay helped set the requirements for licensing that each program must meet. Here are a few:
1 A recognizable person to serve as a full-time, paid public advocate
for the water body.
That individual is an “aqua-cop” committed to enforcing environmental laws and
standards. A Waterkeeper uses whatever tools are appropriate, from personal
persuasion and public opinion to government intervention or litigation.
2 Members whom the Waterkeeper represents.
Members provide the grassroots constituency that may be called upon to influence polluters, media,
state agencies, and politicians. In addition, they help provide
operating income and, most critically, give the Waterkeeper organization legal standing. One of the strongest tools a keeper
has is the Citizen Suit provision of the Clean Water Act, which
allows Waterkeepers and others acting for the environment to sue
polluters. The Clean Water Act gives “any citizen” the authority “to
commence a civil action” against an entity (including the federal
or state government) that is violating “an effluent standard or
limitation.” In a
court of law, the Waterkeeper literally speaks for the
organization’s individual members.
3 A boat with the Waterkeeper name clearly
labeled to ensure on-the-water recognition.
That clearly-identified presence may be as modest as
a canoe or as imposing as a high-speed patrol boat,
whatever mode of transportation is best suited to
maintain on-the-water vigilance.
4 An office where the Waterkeeper or a sponsoring
non-profit conducts fundamental tasks.
Tasks that are required to support the program include bookkeeping, strategic
planning, and fundraising. A Waterkeeper cannot be a government employee.
5 A phone number citizens can call to
report pollution incidents or concerns.
The Waterkeeper answers questions, speaks at
public meetings, and talks with people around the Bay.
The phone number represents response, advocacy, and enforcement.
Contact information for alternate phone numbers or hotlines provides
coverage even when emergencies occur after hours.
