Staff Members

Tom Ford

Baykeeper

Carlos Carreon

Beachkeeper Program Coordinator

Brian Meux

Kelp Project Coordinator

Mark Abramson

Director of Watershed Program

Tatiana Gaur

Staff Attorney

What is the main goal of the Baykeeper?

To protect and restore Santa Monica Bay, San Pedro Bay and adjacent coastal waters by continuously surveying the environmental health of these resources and alerting the public to potential hazards. The Baykeeper seeks to accomplish this mission by investigating and prosecuting when necessary those who are in violation of current laws and regulations protecting this ecosystem, as well as joining forces with other organizations to mandate the creation of new regulations when necessary. The Baykeeper also undertakes projects designed to restore habitats and aquatic populations that have been adversely affected by pollution and other hazards.

Where does the Baykeeper get its funding?

The majority of Baykeeper revenues come from private donors, foundations, government agencies and members of the public. Event fundraising such as the annual Beach Ball also produce a significant portion of income. Baykeeper does not receive any funding from its litigation activities, with the exception of recovered legal costs.

What are the major programs on which the Baykeeper is currently working?

Kelp Restoration Project

Enforcement and Regulatory Programs

Beachkeeper Program: water quality testing (sampling from storm drains) and monthly beach monitoring by volunteers.

General education programs for schools, volunteers, and the public

What is the purpose of the Kelp Restoration project? How much progress has been made so far?

In 1996 the Baykeeper initiated this project with the goal of replenishing the devastated kelp forests. The major causes of this devastation were determined to be pollution and overfishing. These dynamic ecosystems are important habitats of several marine species such as sea otters, several species of fish, and various crustaceans. So far, significant progress has been made in the areas where measurement, planting, and maintenance of new kelp plants has been implemented.

What kind of volunteer opportunities are available at the BayKeeper?

Many opportunities exist for those who want to help at the Baykeeper: Beachkeeper Program monitors who adopt a stretch of beach to regularly check conditions and storm drains, divers for the Kelp restoration project, and Adopt-a-Highway litter collection. Legal assistance, data management and analysis and education outreach are further opportunities. Event planning, fund raising, and general office help are also needed and welcome.

What are the major causes of pollution in the Bay?

The number one cause of pollution in Santa Monica Bay is urban runoff. This comes from an array of sources including industries, businesses, and the contributions from millions of people and cars. Pollutants, toxins, and litter from the all of the above are washed into the bay mostly via our storm drain system with little thought as to how it affects the ecosystem.

Is the water in the Bay cleaner now than in previous years?

In some respects it is, in others it is not. Some of the larger individual sources, such as the Hyperion sewage treatment plant, for example, have reduced their input substantially. Other, more diffuse sources, such as from the urban runoff described above, continue to increase and pollute and harm the bay.

What can ordinary citizens do to help keep the Bay healthy and clean?

Here are nine simple things everyone can do to protect the bay:

1. Cover outdoor trashcans at home and work so that litter doesn't blow into storm drains
2. Recycle at home and work as much as possible
3. Pick up after pets, and encourage others to do so also.
4. Do not release balloons into the air: they can injure marine animals who think they are food
5. Do not rake or blow leaves into the storm drains, bacteria grow on this organic matter.
6. Do not use pesticides on lawns and gardens
7. Maintain the family car so that it doesn't drip oil into the streets or release excess air pollution.
8. Do not wash your car on impervious services such as driveways, which allow runoff to streets.
9. Do not hose down gutters or drive ways - sweep up and put debris in the trash.

What does Baykeeper membership involve?

Membership at all levels helps to support the ongoing work of the Baykeeper, and includes a subscription to our newsletter, official Baykeeper hat or T-shirt (most levels) and invitations to Baykeeper special events and activities.