The Next Generation of Clean-Water Warriors
Meet the Changemakers Spearheading Conservation Efforts
What started as a grassroots movement to restore and protect Southern Florida's water resources has blossomed into a new generation of clean-water conservationists. These dedicated individuals are taking control of their future, making significant strides to preserve the precious ecosystem they call home.
This generation vividly remembers their high school days, when harmful water discharges often barred them from visiting the beach. They recall the first time they noticed a sharp decline in fish behavior, a change coinciding with the transition from winter to summer months, often linked to toxic algae blooms. These experiences led them to question why this was happening and what could be done to address it.
In their search for answers, they found Captains for Clean Water (CFCW), an organization offering insights and solutions.
CFCW, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, dedicates itself to restoring and protecting aquatic ecosystems for everyone's use and enjoyment. It harnesses the power of full-time employees, volunteers, fishing guides, artists, and media outlets, advocating for clean water through awareness, education, and advocacy programs. These initiatives are designed to promote science-based solutions to Florida’s water mismanagement in three key areas:
Everglades Restoration — Advancing improved water management and infrastructure that restore the Everglades, resolving water-quality issues throughout south Florida.
Nutrient Pollution — Creating awareness around excess nutrient sources and their detrimental impact to our coastal estuaries, such as fueling red tide, blue green algae, and other harmful algal blooms (HABs).
Water Policy — Activating our supporters to influence water policy and management outcomes through awareness campaigns and action opportunities.
With its diverse coalition of supporters, including employees, volunteers, fishing guides, artists, and media outlets, CFCW is passionately fighting to protect what they love and drive meaningful change. This new generation of conservationists, empowered by the guidance and support of CFCW, stands as a beacon of hope for the future of Florida's waterways.
Meet the next generation
In the course of working on this story, we had the opportunity to meet three incredibly impressive and inspiring individuals. Their dedication to the cause of water conservation is both admirable and contagious. Here, we share a bit about them.
Kevin Grainger
Kevin Grainger's journey into conservation began in his teenage years when he first noticed severe shifts in water quality from winter to summer in his local environment. This early awareness sparked a deep interest in environmental stewardship, guiding him towards a career intertwined with both guiding and conservation.
Today, Kevin is a familiar face at 239 Flies, a local fly shop, where his expertise and passion for fishing are invaluable. He's not just a dedicated fishing guide; he's a true advocate for the waters he navigates. Kevin was recently honored with the Next Generation Stewardship Award from Captains for Clean Water in 2023. This accolade is a testament to his impactful work and his role as a leader in the conservation community.
He's particularly encouraged by the progress being made on the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) reservoir, a critical project for water management and ecological restoration in Florida. Kevin's positive outlook is not just inspiring, but it also serves as a beacon of hope for the future of Florida's waterways.
To keep up with Kevin's adventures and his conservation efforts, follow him on Instagram.
Taylor Bouchard
Taylor Bouchard’s journey into conservation was spurred by the troubling sights she witnessed during her high school years. Water discharges prevented her and her friends from enjoying the beach left a deep impression on her. Confused yet motivated, Taylor recalls the moment she ordered her first Captain's hat, symbolizing her commitment to becoming part of the solution.
Taylor's daily mission revolves around bringing together the outdoor industry, striving to amplify its voice through education and engagement. As one of the youngest members of the Captain’s team, she carries a sense of hope and responsibility. "Because of people like Kevin and everyone deeply caring about this place, I remain hopeful for the future," she shared with us.
“Everyone’s talking about fish, but it’s never just about fish, it’s about something bigger. Anglers, guides, homeowners, restaurant business owners are all impacted if people aren’t going to the beaches.”
Taylor is currently pursuing her master's degree in nonprofit leadership.
You can follow her here.
Oona Watkins
Oona Watkins, an illustrator and designer based in Southwest Florida, represents a unique blend of art, advocacy, and policy insight in the conservation world. After spending six years working on federal policy at Oceana and pursuing art as a sideline, Oona discovered her true calling lay in the intersection of her two passions. She shifted her focus to dedicate herself fully to art projects that educate and inspire people about environmental issues and the importance of conservation.
Her approach to combining science with art to spread awareness about critical issues such as water quality, plastic pollution, marine conservation, and climate change has made her a standout figure in the realm of environmental advocacy. Oona's artwork serves as a visual narrative that both informs and engages the public, making complex scientific concepts accessible and compelling.
The inspiration behind Oona's work stems from her upbringing. Her parents instilled in her a profound respect for the outdoors, shaping her perspective on the natural world and its preservation. While acknowledging that Florida will always face environmental challenges, Oona remains optimistic. She finds inspiration in the growing community of people actively involved and engaged in making a difference. This collective effort, she believes, paints a more positive outlook for Florida's environmental future.
To explore Oona's creative journey and her impactful work, follow Oona’s work here.
As a community, embracing our role as stewards of our natural resources is not just a responsibility, but a privilege. The stories of Kevin, Taylor, and Oona exemplify this ethos, showing us the power of individual action and collective resolve in the fight for environmental conservation. Their inspiring efforts remind us that every contribution, whether through science, advocacy, or art, is vital in this ongoing battle to protect and preserve our natural world.
To delve deeper into the origins and mission of Captains for Clean Water, we encourage you to explore the story of its co-founder, Chris Wittman. A pivotal figure in the movement, Chris's insights and experiences shed light on the organization's journey and its impact. For an in-depth look, tune in to the Mill House podcast, Issue #100, where Chris shares his perspective and the inspiring story behind CFCW.
This next generation of conservationists underscores the importance of our collective role in safeguarding our planet's precious resources for future generations.
If you're inspired to support Captains for Clean Water and their mission, consider making a tax-deductible donation to help save the Everglades and protect them for future generations.
A genuine thank you to Captain Benny Blanco for being the inspiration behind this story and for continually setting an exemplary standard in what it means to be a steward of our fisheries.our fisheries.
The Fishing Club Journal is a reader-supported community and publication sharing stories and positivity inherent in the world of fly fishing.
