Protecting the
Water You Love

Florida’s 8,000 miles of coastline power our economy and protect our communities. Biscayne Bay contributes $64 billion annually to Miami-Dade County’s economy through tourism, jobs, and property value. Clean water also sustains coral reefs, fisheries, storm protection, and public health—making it essential to both our prosperity and future.

South Florida’s Unique Challenges
Florida’s waterways are particularly vulnerable to pollution because of our low elevation, porous limestone geology, and the threat of sea level rise. In South Florida, climate change isn’t just a computer model; it’s daily life. Miami is a thin sliver of dry ground surrounded by water on all sides — including below our feet. Our porous, low-lying geology makes us among the world’s most vulnerable cities to sea level rise. Flooding and failing infrastructure constantly flush pollution into our waterways, causing them to spiral into decline.

Our Role on the Front Lines
On the front lines against these daunting challenges, you can find Miami Waterkeeper, a small but mighty team of fearless advocates for clean water. We occupy a void that would otherwise be filled by pollution, floodwaters, and environmental destruction. Miami Waterkeeper works toward a vision of swimmable, drinkable, and fishable water for all. These are rights granted to us by the Clean Water Act, but environmental laws work only if people are willing to stand up for them. Empowering the community, we use science, advocacy, and outreach to protect our waterways from pollution and prepare South Florida for the future.

How Miami Waterkeeper Creates Change
Miami Waterkeeper focuses on clean water, ecosystem protection, and sea level rise resiliency. First, we tackle issues of clean water throughout the Biscayne Bay watershed, from the Everglades to our coral reefs. Second, we protect the ecosystems that depend on that clean water, including corals, seagrasses, and mangroves. Finally, we focus on sea level rise resiliency, which guides all areas of our work. We employ a multidisciplinary approach, which includes science, policy & advocacy, and education & outreach.