History of the Waterkeeper Movement

Born from the Hudson River in New York, the WATERKEEPER® concept has evolved into an international and rapidly growing movement. When waterways are abused by greed and shortsightedness, it is the affected communities that respond.

During the 1960’s, fisherman on the Hudson River has seen enough of their livelihood being eliminated right in front of their eyes. Fish populations were in great decline and many areas were not suitable for swimming, a right the public has to its waters. The fisherman fought back, and eventually a full-time advocate, the first RIVERKEEPER®, was hired to watchdog and protect the incredible resources of the Hudson River. Since that time, the Hudson has made a remarkable comeback. A comeback only made possible by the efforts of a community who wanted to regain the river they loved.

The WATERKEEPER® concept was expanded by the tremendous work of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who is now the Chairperson of WATERKEEPER® Alliance, Senior Attorney for the Natural Resources Defense Council, and Chief Prosecuting Attorney for the Hudson RIVERKEEPER®.

Currently, there are 182 Waterkeeper Programs Worldwide. The Pamlico-Tar RIVERKEEPER® Program was the 88th program licensed in 2003.

WATERKEEPER®Alliance

WATERKEEPER® Alliance is the international center of a network of WATERKEEPER® programs. The Alliance approves new programs, licenses the use of the WATERKEEPER® names, represents the individual WATERKEEPERS® on issues of national interest, and serves as a meeting place for all the WATERKEEPERS® to exchange information, strategy and know-how. The Alliance and its member groups meet at least once a year, rotating between regions, and communicates regularly in the interim.