How Do We Differ?

How does Soundkeeper differ from other organizations and agencies offering environmental and educational programs around the Sound and watershed? Being an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to the estuary, we believe we have a unique – and a uniquely effective – profile. Further, we have developed a high level of credibility by working out practical solutions to environmental, economic, and public health threats to the Sound. Outlined below are our program areas for protecting our shared stake in the health of Long Island Sound.

We take direct action to stop polluters
and to preserve the Sound

• Hands-on investigation of problems
• Negotiation with polluters
• Calling media attention to the problem
• If necessary, litigation to stop pollution

We patrol on the water

• Two emergency response boats and one patrol boat to reach sites by water or trailer
• Network of volunteer on-the-water stewards for harbors, coves, and embayments

We seek visibility and
we create awareness

• Active presence in the news media
• Produce books, educational products, and media programming for schools and general populations
• Sponsor local clean-ups, create presence at public events, make presentations to local groups

We work with people
to achieve common goals

• Provide technical assistance in legal issues and media relations to local groups
• Maintain active working relationships with other nonprofit groups and government agencies
• Provide training and educational opportunities
• We offer a hotline for answering questions and reporting problems