Programs
“Traditionally, the sea has been regarded as the common heritage for all mankind; now its care must be acknowledged as a common responsibility.” ~ Sylvia Earle, Sea Change
Friends of Casco Bay works year-round to improve and protect the environmental health of Casco Bay. All of our activities may be termed Baykeeping, although Casco Bay has its own Baykeeper, Joe Payne. As the official ombudsman of the Bay, Joe speaks out on issues that threaten its water quality. Casco BAYKEEPER® Joe Payne uses a “work with” approach to get people to take action on pollution issues that threaten the Bay, such as combined sewer overflows, marine debris, and polluted runoff from coastal homes and businesses. FOCB is convinced that this region’s economic health is dependent upon the Bay’s environmental health.
Both Joe and the Friends of Casco Bay have had many successes over the years, including helping to reopen hundreds of acres of formerly-polluted clam flats, ensuring that the dredging of Portland Harbor did not pollute Casco Bay or threaten the 34,000 lobsters in the path of the dredge, and helping to lead the oil spill recovery effort after the Julie N oil spill in 1995. In 2002, we organized a well-attended, informational Citizen Forum on cruise ship discharges that eventually led to the passage of a law in 2004 to curb cruise ship pollution. As a result of our local leadership, FOCB was asked to join with environmental advocates from around the country to develop a national strategy to stop cruise ship pollution.
What distinguishes Friends of Casco Bay
- Inclusive ~ Our “work-with” approach values collaborative problem solving.
- Science based ~ The positions we take are based on scientific data. When it’s lacking, we collect it ourselves in order to ensure strong, scientifically defensible baseline data.
- Use data to change behavior ~ We don’t just collect data for its own sake, we use the information to help people make informed choices that will improve the environment.
- Practical ~ We encourage advocacy by example, as we did by launching a vessel pumpout program when there were adequate facilities for boaters or by purchasing environmentally-friendly engines for our boats.
- Defends habitat ~ When we “speak for the Bay,” we consider the impact of potential threats on marine habitats first and foremost on the water column itself.
- Instructive ~ We engage and educate the community, as with BayScaping, the conservation landscaping programs for homeowners, or Community Strategies to help municipalities plan for the future health of the Bay.
Our Programs
Friends of Casco Bay has many programs for improving the Bay. Contact us to find out how you can help.
