Grassroots Giving Protects our Waters

Expanding the Reach of Fundy Baykeeper

Written in collaboration with Jayne King

Protecting the ecological integrity of Canada's Bay of Fundy is no small challenge for Fundy Baykeeper, a program of the Conservation Council of New Brunswick, and member of Water Keeper Alliance. Operated by Baykeepers David Thompson and Matt Abbott, this important environmental watchdog answers directly to the inhabitants of the Bay of Fundy.

Famous for its natural beauty and dramatic tidal cycle, in which 100 billion tonnes of ocean water enter and leave the bay every 24 hours, the area is in a serious state of decline: pollution, industrial activity, coastal development, aquaculture, and unsustainable fishing practices are diminishing the water quality and leading to a decline in the region's biodiversity.

With a mission to protect the public's right to a healthy and vibrant Bay of Fundy, Fundy Baykeepers routinely patrol the waters and investigate environmental threats. This is a big job for Fundy Baykeepers who rely on a network of concerned environmentalists, a hotline, two boats, and a funding model that prohibits directed funding. Despite the limitations of this funding model, Baykeeper Matt Abbott passionately supports this approach, stating that, "I'd rather have the challenge of funding and be working with a genuinely independent organization than rolling in money."

Subsequently, funds are accessed from sources with which Fundy Baykeepers are comfortable - sources that allow them to propose the projects. When Baykeeper Dave Thompson wished to extend his environmental reach in a tangible way on the bay by adding an outboard motor to the Fundy Baykeeper's rowboat, the Portland Pudgy, he turned to Small Change Fund, a micro-philanthropy fundraising organization, which uses a grassroots-giving funding model to match donors with environmental projects.

Supporting projects that address environmental concerns with grants up to $5000, Small Change Fund was able to quickly Fundy Baykeeper Project for the motor, which assists Fundy Baykeepers in their ability to do their work more effectively and efficiently, "It makes it easy for us to reach the edges of the territory we are trying to protect. If we want to do work that's some ways away from where we keep our main boat, we can easily put the Pudgy on a truck and take it there."

Abbott also claims that an added benefit to working with Small Change Fund is that: "the conversation is not internal. When we engage with Small Change Fund, we are also engaging with the public more generally. There's a promotions opportunity for us to let people know about the work we are doing. The nice thing about Small Change Fund is that it is so much more than the grant we receive."

With large industrial self-interests intent on moving environmentally hazardous projects forward on the Bay of Fundy, and directly funding groups to carry out research and publish information that supports their mandate, the role of Fundy Baykeeper is growing ever more complex, difficult and important. While public awareness about certain environmental problems is increasing and facilitating effective positive change in the bay, other campaigns are taking place, which obscure the issues, and mask the environmental damage that is being done. Fortunately, effective and powerful laws and tools exist that support the efforts and needs of Fundy Baykeeper.