Containing Vessel Pollution

Shipping and boating are important parts of the Bay's history, identity and economy. The Bay is a hub for commercial shipping and supports numerous ports, including the the Port of Oakland – the fourth busiest in the U.S. – as well as thousands of recreational vessels.

Special Initiative: Helping Gulf Coast Waterkeeper Respond to the BP Oil Spill

San Francisco Baykeeper has joined with other oil spill veterans in the Waterkeeper Alliance to form a Gulf oil spill advisory committee to support and provide technical assistance to the Gulf Coast Waterkeepers. We have also sent two of our own staff members to provide technical support and organize volunteers for Gulf Coast Waterkeepers. Read more about this initiative.

Improving Oil Spill Response Measures in the Bay

Baykeeper was a lead responder to the Cosco Busan oil spill of November 2007 that released 53,000 gallons of bunker fuel into the Bay, calling for improved response measures; for better communication among responders and with the public; and for cleanups to accommodate willing volunteers from around the Bay Area. Since then, Baykeeper has played a key role in improving oil spill response policy in the Bay Area and across the state. Read more about Baykeeper's work to improve oil spill policy.

Baykeeper also monitored response and cleanup efforts to the Dubai Star bunker fuel spill of October 30, 2009. Read more about our work.

Controlling Invasive Species

In July 2008, Baykeeper won an important court victory that requires the Environmental Protection Agency to regulate the discharge of ballast water from international freighters -- a significant source of invasive species to local waterways. Read more about our work to control the spread of invasive species.

Clearing Our Waterways of Abandoned Boats

Baykeeper is tackling the issue of boats abandoned throughout the Bay and Delta. Abandoned boats are a serious threat to the Bay's water quality, as well as a navigational hazard in our waterways. Read more about Baykeeper's work to clear our waterways of abandoned boats.

Cleaning Up the Ghost Fleet

Baykeeper filed suit in 2007 to force the federal government to clean up a fleet of decaying military ships in Suisun Bay know as the Ghost Fleet. These boats are depositing toxic chemicals into the Bay's sediment and food chain. Read more about Baykeeper's work to clean up the Ghost Fleet.