Collier County Waterkeeper

Protecting Our Waters — Swimmable, Drinkable, and Fishable for All

About Us:

Collier County Waterkeeper is a Florida 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring that every waterway in Southwest Florida is drinkable, swimmable, and fishable.
Our mission is to protect and restore the waters that sustain our community — from the Ten Thousand Islands to Naples Bay — through a combination of education, outreach, and scientific research.

We support a vibrant and resilient Southwest Florida by focusing on:

  • Water testing for SwimGuide.org

  • Artificial reef monitoring and placement

  • Community cleanups and environmental education

Our vision is simple: a clean, healthy, and resilient coastal ecosystem that supports marine life, local recreation, and the economy for generations to come.

Our Mission

Clean Water for All

Collier County Waterkeeper tests local waterways and reports results directly to Swim Guide, helping residents and visitors know when the water is safe for swimming and recreation.
Beyond monitoring, we actively work to protect and restore marine habitats by caring for Collier County’s artificial and coral reefs, ensuring the ecosystems they support — from fish to sea turtles — remain healthy.

Through science, education, and community engagement, we empower citizens to become stewards of the waterways that define Southwest Florida’s identity and economy.

Our Core Programs

Water Testing & Reporting

Our volunteers and scientists collect and analyze water samples from local beaches, canals, and estuaries.
We share this data with the public via SwimGuide.org, providing real-time information on water safety and pollution risks.
By making this data accessible, we help residents make informed decisions and hold polluters accountable.

Artificial Reef Monitoring

Healthy reefs are essential for a thriving marine ecosystem.
We monitor and support the placement and maintenance of artificial reefs to boost biodiversity, protect fish populations, and create sustainable habitats that also benefit tourism and local fisheries.

Community Cleanups & Education

We believe that a clean community starts with informed citizens.
Through organized beach cleanups, school partnerships, and community outreach, we educate Southwest Florida residents about water quality, conservation, and sustainable living practices.

Our Approach

We combine education, outreach, and scientific research to create lasting impact:

  • Education: Teaching the next generation the value of clean water through hands-on learning and environmental programs.

  • Outreach: Engaging residents, local leaders, and volunteers to take action for our waterways.

  • Science: Using data-driven methods to identify pollution sources, monitor changes, and measure restoration progress.

Our Goals

Educate

— Build public understanding of water quality challenges and solutions.

Protect

— Safeguard Collier County’s waterways, reefs, and estuaries through research

Engage

— Unite the community to take direct action for clean, resilient waters.

Together, we can make Collier County a model for coastal stewardship

— where our waters remain swimmable, drinkable, and fishable for all.

OUR AWARDS

2022

Florida Wildlife Federation
"Water Conservationist of the Year"

2016

New Times
"Top 20 best environmentalists in South Florida"

2021

Dade Heritage Trust
"Annual Preservation Award"

2016

University of Miami Abess Center
"Reitmeister Award"

2018

The Journal Coral Reefs
"Best Paper of the Year"

2016

Miami Herald
"Visionary Award for the Environment"

2018

Miami Today's
"Best of Miami, Unsung Heroes"

2015

Diatom Award for excellence in environmental advocacy presented by the Mayor of Miami Beach

Our People

Our Work

Community Outreach & Education

Science & Research

Advocacy

The circle in our logo is the outline of the Miami Circle – a Tequesta archaeological site situated at the mouth of the Miami River and Biscayne Bay. The site is a perfect circle measuring 38-feet across with 24 holes or basins cut into limestone, and containing shell tools, dolphin skulls, turtle shells, and shark teeth. The site was discovered in 1998, and is thought to be between 1700-2000 years old, indicating that the Circle represents one of the first-known interactions of humans and the water in the Miami area.

What's the meaning behind the Miami Waterkeeper logo?

The Miami Circle holds profound meaning for Miami Waterkeeper, as we focus on protecting and respecting wildlife, water, and all human inhabitants of South Florida. The animals found inside our logo are native to Biscayne Bay and the surrounding waters, including some listed in the Endangered Species Act. It is also a reminder that our jurisdiction covers the ancestral and traditional lands of the Seminole, Miccosukee, and Tequesta people. 

Partners

Monet Goode

Eleanor Parks

Emmet Marsh