Thanks to a generous grant from Norcross Wildlife Foundation, and donations from friends, Fraser Riverkeeper acquired its own vessel in the summer of 2009, which ensures long-term sustainability and increases operational capacity, while engaging in pollution patrols on the Fraser River and surrounding waters. The new boat is a critical component of Fraser Riverkeeper and serves as the main platform in fulfilling the program’s mission.

If you would like to help Keep the Boat Afloat, please see our Donate Now button.

The vessel enables a true on the water presence, demonstrating to the community and potential polluters that Fraser Riverkeeper has taken responsibility for protecting the river and surrounding waterways. The boat serves to deter polluters and identifies the Riverkeeper as a source for first-hand information to the media, public officials, and the community. The  vessel also lets Fraser Riverkeeper expand its pollution patrols, community outreach, and scientific research in support of its advocacy work — thereby providing unlimited opportunities to involve the community at large.

Riverkeeper Doug Chapman has extensive experience as a boatman. For over 40 years he was either a captain or navigator on sailing and motor vessels making passages across the Great Lakes as well as the Mosel, Rhine, and Rhone Rivers in Europe. He has sailed the Caribbean and Mediterranean Seas and the Atlantic and Pacific coasts for years. He has also fished commercially on the British Columbia Pacific coast for years in a 37-ft. wooden salmon troller, which he captained.

Doug and his first mate, board member Kari Siirala, have had a few excursions down the river with several Fraser Riverkeeper staff and volunteers.