Warwick native is named Narragansett Baykeeper

Posted 4/18/17

Michael Jarbeau, the new Narragansett Baykeeper, wants to make sure people don’t forget that there’s still work to do when it comes to Save the Bay.

“We don’t want complacency to become a …

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

E-mail
Password
Log in

Warwick native is named Narragansett Baykeeper

Posted

Michael Jarbeau, the new Narragansett Baykeeper, wants to make sure people don’t forget that there’s still work to do when it comes to Save the Bay.

“We don’t want complacency to become a thing around here,” he said.

Save the Bay has come a long way, but Jarbeau wants to ensure its work and the health of the Narragansett Bay is always on the people’s minds.

Save The Bay recently announced the appointment of Jarbeau as its new Narragansett Baykeeper. Jarbeau, who began his new position on March 21, is Save The Bay’s fourth Baykeeper since 1992. As Baykeeper, he will be the public face of Save The Bay on the water, a point of contact for the public to report pollution concerns, and a contributor to Save The Bay’s policy and advocacy initiatives.

“We are delighted to have an individual of Mike’s caliber, experience, and passion for the Bay on board. The Baykeeper plays an important role in our efforts to protect Narragansett Bay by being our eyes, ears and voice on the Bay and in the community. Mike fits the bill perfectly,” said Save The Bay Executive Director Jonathan Stone in a release. Jarbeau calls the position his “dream job.”

“Narragansett Bay is a critical piece of Rhode Island’s history and character, and to me, the future of the state is closely intertwined with the health of Narragansett Bay. The Bay can’t speak for itself, so as an organization, we think of ourselves as spokespeople for the Bay. To be one of the point people for that is something I take very seriously, and I’m really excited to be starting in this role as Baykeeper,” he said.

Jarbeau is a fourth-generation Rhode Islander, born and raised in Warwick. He grew up between Apponaug and Buttonwoods and spent most of his summers growing up at Buttonwoods Beach swimming, fishing and sailing with his family. He said the opportunities he had to be near the water led to his first career in the Coast Guard. The Coast Guard and other experiences stayed with him, but he is “thrilled” to come back and work on issues that are meaningful to him and his community Rhode Islanders.

Jarbeau’s first exposure to pollution problems on the bay were shellfish closures, he said.

“I remember being disheartened by the fact that the place I loved so much wasn’t healthy and thriving. The bay played a major role in my development and my education and career choices, which is why I’m thrilled to be in a position to directly advocate for the bay as Baykeeper,” he said.

In his first three weeks on the job, Jarbeau said he’s still “getting his feet wet.” He’s trying to establish relationships and meet people that work closely at Save the Bay and to familiarize himself with all the issues at hand. He hopes to become an established, knowledgeable resource for the community.

“I’m trying to meet as many people as possible, and I’m looking forward to getting out on the water as soon as possible. I’ve been so impressed by just how much Save The Bay has been doing and how involved the entire staff is in everything we do. It’s very humbling to be part of this team,” he said.

Jarbeau says the bay is much healthier than it was 40 to 50 years ago when Save The Bay was founded, “and that speaks to the hard work of the people who came before us. But there are still many issues facing Narragansett Bay, such as climate change, which is creating a whole new range of issues that people weren’t thinking about decades ago.”

“As we approach our 50th year of advocacy, it is imperative that the Baykeeper play a lead role in addressing these and other complex issues facing the bay. I’m pleased that Mike is taking on that role,” Stone said.

Prior to joining Save The Bay, Jarbeau served his country with an environmental protection and life-saving focus as an officer in the U.S. Coast Guard. He earned a bachelor’s degree at the United States Coast Guard Academy and a master’s degree in marine affairs at the University of Rhode Island. He served as a commissioned officer aboard the USCGC Venturous in Florida, the USCGC Sanibel in Massachusetts, and the Fifth Coast Guard District in Virginia, participating in fisheries, counter-drug and other law-enforcement missions, search and rescue operations and development of Mid-Atlantic fisheries regulations. He is now a Lieutenant in the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve.

Comments

1 comment on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here

  • richardcorrente

    Congratulations Michael Jarbeau.

    Save The Bay started their good work decades ago with Susan Farmer and the bay came back considerably. Today the water is cleaner, the fish are bigger and more plentiful, and clams, crabs, and prey-fish that they feed on, are in larger numbers. Keep this

    trend moving forward Mike and R.I. will be a better place because of your efforts.

    Again, congratulations on your appointment. You're making Warwick proud. Thank you for your military service.

    Rick Corrente

    The Taxpayers Mayor

    Tuesday, April 18, 2017 Report this