We’re a group of active citizens with a common interest in preserving and protecting the beauty, health and heritage of the Mobile Bay watershed. A large part of our efforts go toward research and education on any issues that may adversely affect the health of individuals and the health of the environment within the watershed.

Mobile Baykeeper is a “solutions based” group. We’re focused on finding answers, not just raising problems. In fact, it surprises some to learn Mobile Baykeeper is pro-development… or, more correctly, pro-responsible development. We understand the need to balance a strong, growing economy with the protection of our environment, public health and our quality of life. Can you imagine the natural beauty of our area preserved and nurtured alongside a thriving business & industrial economy? That is the goal of Mobile Baykeeper and it can happen with the proper management.

Since the Mobile Bay watershed covers 2/3rds of the state of Alabama, our work is statewide. There are over 200 rivers, bays, bayous, creeks, inlets and sloughs associated with the fourth largest drainage basin in North America. We also cover the Mississippi and Florida Coastal Zones because these environments are interlocked with our own. Any threat these areas face, we also face and any knowledge they gain, we gain.

We use established environmental laws to protect our health and natural resources and call upon state and federal agencies for assistance when appropriate. We form coalitions on specific local issues. Recently, for example, we worked with the Fly Creek Association on runoff issues. We have new chapters in Weeks Bay and Fowl River. In addition, as a member of Waterkeeper Alliance, a worldwide organization, we can reach around the globe to pull from virtually unlimited resources.

Mission

Our mission is to provide citizens a means to protect the beauty, health and heritage of the Mobile Bay watershed.

We have a four tiered strategy:

1. We diligently research to find the solutions to the problems that affect our health and environment. We use those facts to ensure that the Bay and the citizens who live near are protected.
2. We make sure that citizens are educated so they are able to get involved in the issues that affect them in and around their homes.
3. We find solutions. We form coalitions to bring about a common sense of change that will address the problems that affect our community.
4. We know and use the laws established to protect our health and natural resources. Sometimes this means calling on state or federal agencies. Sometimes it means holding a polluter accountable.

We have a big job. We have to balance a strong economy with the protection of our environment, the public health and the quality of life. Additionally, our work is statewide because the Mobile Bay Watershed covers 2/3rds of the state of Alabama. There are over 200 rivers, bays, bayous, creeks, inlets and sloughs associated with the fourth largest drainage basin in North America.