About Us
Our Clean Oceans is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the protection and preservation of California’s waterways, including oceans, rivers, and streams impaired by pollutants from industrial and other sources. By focusing on education, advocacy, and action, we aim to ensure that clean, accessible, and safe water is available for all Californians.
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At Our Clean Oceans, we track down industrial polluters across California who operate without the stormwater permits required by the Clean Water Act.
Using business license data, satellite imagery, and the state's SMARTS database, we uncover unregulated outdoor operations that threaten our rivers, oceans, and communities. Through our statewide monitoring system, we hold these companies accountable—stopping unlawful runoff at its source and protecting California’s waters for everyone.
"Protecting Oceans by Uniting People and Communities and Holding Polluters Accountable. We Are the Voice of the Ocean."
Our Mission
We are committed to safeguarding and improving the quality of California’s waterways. Through partnerships with communities, governments, and businesses, we work to restore and preserve the health of our watersheds and ecosystems. Our goal is to promote sustainable water management practices that protect public health, conserve natural resources, and ensure environmental justice.
Core Values
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Environmental Stewardship
We believe in the collective responsibility to protect and preserve natural resources, especially clean water, for the health of the planet and future generations.
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Community Empowerment
Strong, engaged communities are central to solving water-related challenges. We empower individuals and groups to take meaningful action for clean water.
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Transparency & Accountability
Trust is the foundation of our work. We commit to transparency in our advocacy, policies, and initiatives, ensuring that our actions reflect our values.
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Sustainability & Innovation
We advocate for forward-thinking solutions and sustainable practices to protect water resources, fostering innovation in water management and conservation.
Our Actions
As an organization, we are passionate in our belief that actions speak louder than words. It's critical we take steps to make change and advocate for practical ways to protect our waterways and water bodies from being polluted. This has resulted in our core values we use to guide the path of Our Clean Oceans to accomplish the mission we have set.
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Advocate for Strong Water Policies:
Our Clean Oceans collaborates with government agencies, lawmakers, and other organizations to champion robust water protection laws and pollution control measures.
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Engage and Educate Communities:
Through local workshops, outreach programs, and grassroots initiatives, we empower Californians to protect and steward their waterways.
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Lead Restoration and Conservation Efforts:
We partner with local governments, environmental groups, and volunteers to restore polluted waterways and promote sustainable practices to combat drought and pollution.
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Build Meaningful Partnerships:
Our collaborations with nonprofits, community groups, and businesses amplify our impact and ensure lasting solutions for water quality challenges.
"Our team isn't just our employees — it includes our volunteers, our members and our allies.
Every action and every hand raised makes our impact bigger."
Our Team = Our Community
Volunteers, members, and allies play a crucial role in protecting and preserving our oceans. The collective impact of our community brings real change to our coasts and waterways.
