Main Content
Education
Building environmental awareness and stewardship, changing attitudes and influencing the decisions of tomorrow by educating policy makers, students and the wider community about the biggest threats to the Santa Barbara Channel and its watersheds and solutions to address those threats.
Field Work
Patrolling the Santa Barbara Channel and its tributaries to identify and deter pollution and respond to citizen reports of pollution. We conduct scientific research to investigate critical threats facing our waters, and collect and disseminate scientifically sound water quality data.
Advocacy
Representing our community’s interest in clean water by providing expert, science-based stakeholder advocacy and testifying before government officials to influence policies to better protect our waters and habitats.
Enforcement
Ensuring that entities, both public and private, comply with environmental laws, and that government agencies enforce those laws. Channelkeeper occasionally uses citizen lawsuits to protect the public interest in clean water and healthy aquatic habitats.
5.9k
VOLUNTEERS ENGAGED
41k
KIDS EDUCATED
37k
LBS OF TRASH CLEARED
Our Blog
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May 21, 2025Watershed Brigade Hosted Cleanups Inspire Awareness and Action
“How long do you think it would take this plastic water bottle to break down?” Veronica Moran, Channelkeeper ‘s all-star program assistant, asks a group of cleanup volunteers. “Forty years!” a young woman exclaims. “One hundred!” another responds. “Good guesses! Actually, it’s more like 400 years,” Moran explains, “and these items are never really gone, […]
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November 7, 2024A Victory for Our Oceans: Federal Court Rules Against Industrial Fish Farming Permits
On September 30, 2024, in a major victory for ocean advocates and coastal communities, the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington ruled that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers violated several key environmental laws when it issued Nationwide Permit 56 (NWP 56) in January of 2021. The court found that the Corps […]
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August 28, 2024Why Educating Young People About Water Quality and the Environment Is Crucial for a Bright Future
In an era marked by rapid environmental changes and growing concerns about sustainability, it is increasingly clear that educating young people about the importance of clean water, healthy habitats, and the environment is not just beneficial—it’s essential. As we face challenges like climate change, water scarcity, and ecological degradation, equipping the next generation with knowledge […]
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Watershed Brigade
The Watershed Brigade is a community of volunteers dedicated to keeping our local watersheds and beaches clean. Brigade members remove trash from trails, creeks, rivers, urban areas, and beaches, act as environmental stewards, and collect trash data used to help reduce pollution at its source. And it’s fun! Volunteers earn points that make them eligible for perks and prizes.
Corporate Challenge
The Watershed Brigade’s Corporate Challenge is a fun and effective way for your company to make a difference in our community and earn points to compete against other local businesses. Gain community-wide visibility while your company takes positive steps for the environment.
