Waterkeeper Alliance
The first Riverkeeper patrol boat was launched by military veterans and fishermen who mobilized in 1966 to challenge polluters on the Hudson River. That Riverkeeper’s contribution to the Hudson’s amazing recovery has inspired the growth to nearly 200 autonomous “Waterkeeper” organizations across the world. Waterkeepers (including Alabama’s Tennessee Riverkeeper, Black Warrior Riverkeeper, Cahaba Riverkeeper, Choctawhatchee Riverkeeper, Hurricane Creekkeeper & Mobile Baykeeper) patrol waterways, respond to citizen complaints, and enforce environmental laws.
Waterkeeper Alliance was founded in 1999 to connect and support local Waterkeeper organizations, each of which is an independent organization protecting its waterway and community. Waterkeeper Alliance offers legal, scientific, and capacity-building advice, provides networking opportunities, and often advocates for issues common to multiple local Waterkeepers. To view the entire list of the Waterkeeper programs worldwide click here.
