We believe that one of the biggest barriers to fixing the problems facing Florida’s estuaries and Everglades boils down to one thing—people just don’t know about them. Captains For Clean Water works to advance science-based solutions through efforts focused on awareness, education, and advocacy, with the goal of restoring and protecting aquatic ecosystems for the enjoyment of all.

For decades, poor water management practices in Florida have persisted due to a lack of public awareness, and therefore, a lack of political will. Today, water managers and policymakers are beginning to understand that we cannot manage our most valuable resources like we did 100 years ago. Environmental impact, population growth and human health and safety must be a part of the conversation.

Creating real change with our water starts with hardworking policy. By engaging and mobilizing thousands of supporters, we’ve been able to keep water quality a priority issue and provide a platform for our supporters to hold policymakers accountable.

For years, the outdoor community had been absent from the fight for clean water. Founded by fishing guides, we recognized that as primary users of this valuable resource, we have the responsibility to fight to protect it. Today, we’ve rallied sportsmen and the outdoor industry nationwide to the frontlines of this effort, including leading brands like Costa, SeaDek, YETI, Hell’s Bay Boatworks, and Mustad, helping normalize conservation advocacy as part of the narrative.

In politics, water quality was once viewed as an environmental issue, disconnected from conversations about economic health. Florida’s water crises devastated businesses of all kinds proving that Florida’s economy directly depends on clean water—especially the $63 billion tourism industry and $24.6 billion fishing and marine industry. We’re strengthening the fight by standing side-by-side with the business community.