Commencement Bay Patrols

Our waters are unique. In Commencement Bay, you can find port operations, deep open water, and many of the Pacific Northwest’s iconic animals. Such a complex and diverse area requires equally diverse strategies to protect our waters and community. As the only environmental organization with a patrol vessel in the South Sound, Communities for a Healthy Bay has a unique ability to quickly identify and tackle pollution that would otherwise go unnoticed or unchecked. Bay Patrol is supported by contracts with the City of Tacoma and works closely with the Department of Ecology, the United States Coast Guard, and other state & local agencies. 

Join us for a Bay Patrol!

During a Bay Patrol, you’ll be joined by one or more staff members from Communities for a Healthy Bay (CHB) who will provide a brief history of Commencement Bay and highlight the environmental victories that have been achieved over the years. It’s a unique opportunity to experience the beauty of Tacoma from the water, with the chance to spot wildlife like seals, sealions, different types of jellyfish and if we’re lucky, even Orcas! You’ll also get to take a look at different beaches, learn about the ecosystem of the Bay, and view the traditional lands of the Puyallup Tribe. Additionally, we’ll take a look at some of the improvements CHB is making around the Bay, discuss current projects, and share information about ongoing environmental challenges we’re still working to address.


Public Bay Patrol Request Form

Please complete the form below to request a Bay Patrol with CHB!

Your Name(Required)
Your Address(Required)
Your Email Address(Required)
List the names and ages of everyone in your group, including yourself. We aim to keep a maximum of 5 guests (including yourself) for comfort. One to two CHB staff will also accompany the group. If you have less than four, we may combine you with another small group.
Date Preferences
Please let us know if there are days of the week you would prefer to have your Bay Patrol scheduled. We will do our best to accommodate but cannot guarantee a specific day ahead of time.
Is there anything in particular you or your group would like to see during the Bay Patrol? (eg., seals, Narrows Bridge, cargo ships, Puyallup tribal lands, etc.)
We are committed to making this experience accessible. Do you have any accommodation requests? (e.g., mobility support, etc.)
Do you or anyone in your group experience motion sickness?
Assumption of Risk(Required)
By checking “Yes” below, I understand that there may be inherent risks typical of being on a boat. I assume these risks for myself and/or my child(ren) and release CHB, their staff and board, and nay event partners from liability.
Notification of Changes(Required)
By checking this box, I agree to notify CHB staff in advance if there is a conflict or a change in plans before the boat ride. You may reschedule, cancel, or inform us if the group size or attendees change.
Media Consent(Required)
I give CHB and their partners permission to take and use photos and/or video during the Patrol of myself and any minors for whom I am responsible, for their promotional materials.
Stay in Touch
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Water Pollution Reporting

To report a spill on or near the water, improper disposal of chemicals or hazardous waste, contaminants running into a storm drain, derelict or abandoned vessels, or any other forms of water pollution, please email our Water Pollution Reporting service at [email protected].

*For incidents occurring within the City of Tacoma limits, you may call the Tacoma FIRST hotline by dialing 311, or call (253) 591-5000 from anywhere else.

Questions about 311? Visit the 311 website.

Download the 311 app for mobile: AppleAndroid

When making a report, please provide the following information:

  • A description of what you are reporting
  • The date and time the pollution was seen
  • A precise location, such as a street address, business name, lat/long, or landmark

Reporting party information is kept confidential, and anonymous reports are accepted, though someone may attempt to call or message you back to request additional details.

If you call during non-business hours, please be sure to leave a voicemail with the above information.

Thank you to our Bay Patrol Community Partners