PROVIDENCE – Save The Bay, an environmental advocacy group, has named Michael Jarbeau its new Narragansett “Baykeeper.”
Jarbeau, who becomes the fourth Baykeeper since 1992, is now the nonprofit’s point of contact for pollution concerns. He also will help Save The Bay’s policy and advocacy initiatives, according to a press release.
Tom Kutcher most recently held the position. He left the organization to join the Rhode Island Natural History Survey, a nonprofit in South Kingstown.
Jarbeau, a lieutenant of the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve, called his new position a “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,” Jarbeau said in a statement. “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.”
Save The Bay, founded in 1970, is well-known for environmental advocacy work relating to Narragansett Bay and its watershed. Executive Director Jonathan Stone lauded Jarbeau in a statement.
“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,” he said. “Mike fits the bill perfectly.”
Jarbeau most recently worked with the Coast Guard. He earned his bachelor’s degree at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, and a master’s degree in marine affairs at the University of Rhode Island, according to the release.
The Warwick native says it’s humbling to be part of the Save The Bay team. He looks forward to working to solve ongoing challenges related to the bay.
“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,” Jarbeau said.
Eli Sherman is a PBN staff writer.
