Scientific Environmental Monitoring

Our dedicated researchers are committed to gathering the data needed to know how our waterways are doing. We get out in the field every week to monitor the Suncoast's most visited bay locations for bacteria.  We also monitor for nutrients and industrial pollutants across the Suncoast. Recognizing the threats to mangrove forests, we have started a new program to map the health and extent of mangroves.

Is It Safe to Swim? Find Out Here:

Is It Safe to Swim? Find Out Here:

Suncoast Waterkeeper provides information on harmful bacteria concentrations for favorite water access points across the Suncoast.

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Enhance and Protect Water Quality

Enhance and Protect Water Quality

We work to understand where water pollution may be coming from and where solutions are needed to enhance water quality in waterbodies across the Suncoast.

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Healthy Pond Collaborative

Healthy Pond Collaborative

Stormwater ponds are exporting pollution. The Healthy Pond Collaborative is tackling this issue through plant installations and water chemistry monitoring.

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Community Engagement

We could not do the work we do without the support of our community! Our volunteers contribute through programs, events, letter-writing campaigns, newsletters, and cleanups. Suncoast Waterkeeper operates in the best interests of the Suncoast and its inhabitants. We patrol for pollution with our patrol boat and will pursue pollution reports submitted by you, the public, through Eyes on the Suncoast. 

Eyes on the Suncoast

Eyes on the Suncoast

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Volunteer With Us

Volunteer With Us

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Upcoming Events

Upcoming Events

Stay up-to-date with our upcoming events, including cleanups, educational workshops, and community gatherings focused on waterway conservation.

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Advocacy

When we receive reports of pollution or of activity that is harmful to the Suncoast, we ACT! Suncoast Waterkeeper tracks permits to ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal laws. We comment on proposed legislation or regulatory actions and meet with elected officials to advocate for clean waterways, mangrove protection, and equitable access to a clean environment. 

Environmental Ambassadors

Environmental Ambassadors

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Save Our Wetlands

Save Our Wetlands

We're taking action to stop the destruction of our wetlands and wetland buffers.

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Toxic Substance Removal (PFAS)

Toxic Substance Removal (PFAS)

Our advocacy program monitors and advocates for the removal of toxic substances, such as PFAS, from the Suncoast's waterways.

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Protecting Our Coastal Habitats

Protecting Our Coastal Habitats

Our advocacy program aims to protect and preserve the critical coastal habitats that support diverse aquatic species and maintain our natural shoreline.

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Achieve Equitable Access to Waterways

Achieve Equitable Access to Waterways

We strive to promote equitable access to the Suncoast's waterways for all communities through our advocacy program.

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Responsible Legal Action: Clean Water Act Citizen Suits

When absolutely necessary, Suncoast Waterkeeper engages in responsible legal action through the Clean Water Act. First, Suncoast Waterkeeper will contact relevant parties and agencies to try and bring polluters into compliance without litigation. Then as a last resort, we will use litigation to hold those who harm our environment accountable. Since such cases unfold over a long period of time and polluters sometimes rely on deep pockets, we often join forces with other local or regional groups to mount our legal efforts. In successful cases, polluters are required to ensure proper mitigation of future damage and to allocate resources to the communities harmed. We address issues such as Piney Point, sewage, industrial pollution, and offshore finfish farms.

Piney Point Disaster

Piney Point Disaster

Last spring, the Piney Point disaster released millions of gallons of polluted wastewater into Tampa Bay. We sued.

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Offshore Factory Fish Farms

Offshore Factory Fish Farms

Calling on the EPA to look further into the risks of proposed offshore factory fish farms.

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Water Wins

Suncoast Waterkeeper is the only regional organization with expertise and resources for spotting, reporting, monitoring, and taking the necessary action to enforce environmental laws that have been put in place to protect human and environmental health. A "win" is only a win when the Suncoast and its inhabitants are brought closer to our collective goal of clean, fishable, swimmable, drinkable water for ALL. 

Water Wins

Water Wins

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Suncoast Waterkeeper is grateful to the following sponsors: