What is a Waterkeeper?
The term “waterkeeper” indicates that an organization is a member of a network of clean water advocates within the Waterkeeper Alliance and protects a particular waterway. The Waterkeeper Alliance has roots in 1960’s activism on the Hudson River, where commercial and recreational fishermen came together to protect their water. Their outspoken, citizen-led advocacy ensured that laws were enforced and that their river, livelihood, and health of their families were protected. Today, Waterkeeper organizations can be found on hundreds of waterways across the globe. (There are “coastkeepers,” “baykeepers,” and “riverkeepers,” too!)
A Waterkeeper is also a job title at each waterkeeper organization. Your full-time Miami Waterkeeper, Rachel Silverstein, is part investigator, scientist, educator, and legal advocate, functioning as a public spokesperson and protecting your right to clean water.