- The Long Fight for Longfin Smelt
- Monitoring the Bay for Algae Blooms
- Polluters Fail to Dodge Accountability
- A New Puzzle That Protects SF Bay
- Stop Trash at Coastal Cleanup Day on 9/21
- Celebrate 35 Years of Baykeeper on 9/29
The Long Fight for Longfin Smelt
After decades of advocacy, the Longfin smelt now has federal protection under the Endangered Species Act (ESA).
Longfin smelt were once one of the most abundant fishes in the Bay, but populations have declined by more than 99% since the 1980s.
For years, we’ve fought for protection for this imperiled species. Hopefully, it’s not too late. The new ESA listing will require guardrails on projects that might harm them—and will give them a fighting chance at survival.
Read more from the San Francisco Chronicle.
Illustration, below, by Fiorella Ikeue in collaboration with SF Baykeeper
Monitoring the Bay for Algae Blooms
After two years of devastating blooms that killed countless fish, we’re determined to learn as much as we can about harmful algae in the Bay.
That’s why we launched a new monitoring program with volunteers and our partners at NOAA, U.S. Geological Survey, and the SF Estuary Institute. So far this year, we’ve identified small patches of the algae Heterosigma akashiwo, but no major blooms. We hope it stays that way!
Pictured, at top: Baykeeper science director Jon Rosenfield and field investigator Cheryl Patel taking water samples in the Bay.
Polluters Fail to Dodge Accountability
Schnitzer Steel (recently rebranded as Radius Recycling) has polluted the Bay and Oakland neighborhoods with hazardous waste for decades.
That’s why we’ve worked hard to strengthen pollution controls on metal shredders. In the face of accountability, the industry tried to push for new legislation, SB 1234, to protect them from meaningful enforcement.
But their attempt failed. We and our partners fought back and successfully got the bill shelved before it got too far.
Take Action: Thank Senator Ben Allen for recognizing that communities matter by emailing: [email protected]
Pictured, above: The Schnitzer facility in Oakland. Schnitzer, like metal shredders throughout the state, stores hazardous waste that’s prone to catching on fire.
A New Puzzle That Protects SF Bay
We’re happy to announce that we’ve partnered with the Oakland Puzzle Company on a commemorative jigsaw puzzle to celebrate our 35th anniversary.
The puzzle, called Under the Bay, features many wonderful Bay creatures, including Chinook salmon, Dungeness crab, and the newly protected Longfin smelt.
Puzzle illustration by Fiorella Ikeue in collaboration with SF Baykeeper
Stop Trash at Coastal Cleanup Day on 9/21
Coastal Cleanup Day is an international day of action to fight trash that pollutes shorelines and waterways. Join us to take action to protect San Francisco Bay from trash!
Baykeeper will host a cleanup at San Francisco’s Marina Yacht Harbor for Coastal Cleanup Day on Saturday, September 21.
You’ll help stop trash and plastic pollution that would otherwise flow to the Bay and Pacific Ocean. We hope to see you there!
Photo: Robb Most
Celebrate 35 Years of Baykeeper on 9/29
Join us for an unforgettable evening to celebrate 35 years defending San Francisco Bay! We’re thrilled to showcase your impact for the Bay at our special 35th Anniversary Bay Celebration on September 29.
Enjoy spectacular Bay views from our Chase Center terrace venue—plus sustainable seafood, Rosé for the Bay, amazing auction items, and the wonderful Baykeeper community. And hear from our featured guest, 2x World Series Champion Hunter Pence.
Spaces are limited! Reserve your spot today.