Humboldt Baykeeper was launched in October 2004 with a mission "to safeguard our coastal resources for the health, enjoyment, and economic strength of the Humboldt Bay community through education, scientific research, and enforcement of laws to fight pollution." Humboldt Baykeeper, a project of the Ecological Rights Foundation and national Waterkeeper Alliance Member, was developed to address the immediate need for an advocate for Humboldt Bay, its associated watersheds, and the near-shore waters of the Pacific.

Humboldt Baykeeper is working to protect and enhance Humboldt Bay and near-shore waters through community education, water-quality monitoring and pollution control. The Humboldt Baykeeper service area encompasses Humboldt Bay, its tributaries, and the Pacific Coast between Trinidad Harbor to the north, and the Eel River estuary to the south. Baykeeper maintains an "on the water" presence throughout the area, patrolling by motor boat, kayak, and airplane, with upland areas patrolled by car and by foot.

To read more read see the group's article in the Spring 2006 Branching Out.


Toxic Legacy in Humboldt Bay
August 22, 2007
A report released in April 2007 by Simpson Timber Company confirms extensive dioxin contamination at the site of the former Simpson Plywood Mill on Waterfront Drive in Eureka. Simpson and a previous owner used dioxin-laden wood preservative pentachlorophenol (penta) at the site from the 1950's to 1968. Those chemicals are still present at highly toxic levels beneath the old sawmill, in adjacent drainage ditches, and in Humboldt Bay sediments. (read more)


Humboldt Baykeeper
April 5, 2006
A bad policy by the Humboldt Bay Harbor, Recreation, and Conservation District and the City of Eureka to dump 200,000 cubic yards (20,000 dump truck loads) of sediment from (read more)


Humboldt Baykeeper Celebrates First Year as Bay Advocate
December 1, 2005
Humboldt Bay is California's second largest natural bay. This picturesque Bay exhibits the richness of an ecologically diverse estuary, while offering a variety of recreational activities such as kayaking, sailing, sport fishing, bird watching, and hiking. Humboldt Bay also boasts a vibrant fishing culture. Commercial fishing in and around the Bay is a significant part of the local economy, and emblematic of the region's cultural heritage. Humboldt Bay has a productive commercial salmon, albacore, and Dungeness crab fishing fleet, and also produces 90% of the oysters harvested in California. (read more)


Humboldt Baykeeper: Dioxin Suit Victory
The Simpson Timber Company, in a settlement with Humboldt Baykeeper and Californians for Alternatives to Toxics, (CATs), agreed to remove tons of sediment laden with cancer-causing dioxin from a contaminated site, a former Simpson Plywood Mill, adjacent to Humboldt Bay at the foot of Del Norte Street in Eureka. (read more)



Contact Information

Email: pete@humboldtbaykeeper.org
Web Site: www.humboldtbaykeeper.org
Phone: (707) 268-0664 - Fax: (707) 268-0665
422 First Street Suite G Eureka, CA 95501