Protecting Our Water, Protecting Our Fisheries
Photo: Matt Hardy
Healthy coasts and fisheries start with clean water. That’s why we support the Right to Clean Water Act or Senate Bill (SB) 601, a proposed California law that will safeguard the waters we fish, play and depend on. While SB 601 doesn’t directly regulate the ocean, it will help reduce the amount of pollution entering coastal waters from land-based sources, ultimately benefiting our marine ecosystems and fisheries.
Why Now
For over 50 years, the federal Clean Water Act helped reduce pollutants and set quality standards for waters across the United States. This landmark environmental law led to significant water quality improvements across the country, and was key to making many rivers, streams and lakes once again swimmable, fishable and safe to enjoy. A 2023 Supreme Court decision, however, fundamentally weakened the Clean Water Act’s ability to protect wetlands and streams from pollution. Wetlands, in particular, are essential habitat for many species, can filter contaminants from drinking water sources and help curb flooding. An analysis by the Natural Resources Defense Council estimates that tens of millions of acres of wetlands—including up to 93 percent of California’s wetland area—are at risk without these essential safeguards.
What’s at Stake
Clean water upstream supports healthier coasts and fisheries downstream. Whether you're chasing steelhead on the Smith River or casting for halibut off the coast, the health of our favorite fisheries is tied to what flows into their habitat from inland waters. The Right to Clean Water Act would restore California’s authority to protect those essential upstream waters, using proven tools that mirror the federal Clean Water Act’s original intent. At a time when our ocean faces growing pressure from climate change, biodiversity loss and development, we can't afford to lose the foundation of clean water.
Fish On is proud to join the California Coastkeeper Alliance and over 100 other organizations in support of SB 601, the Right to Clean Water Act. By maintaining clean water protections in state law, we can shield critical habitats from pollution and ensure that our rivers, wetlands, coasts, or whatever waters we wade into, remain vibrant for generations to come.
Use the form below to email your Assemblymember and ask them to protect our right to clean water.
