Learn the depth of the problem – nets, lines, traps, sunken vessels, and plastics!
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Ocean Defenders Alliance
ODA eliminates dangerous man-made debris which pose serious threats to ocean wildlife and habitats.
Learn more about us and join our efforts today!
By Founder & President Kurt Lieber
This is a headline from a recent article from National Geographic. We here at Ocean Defenders Alliance (ODA) are not at all surprised about this "recent" revelation because, unfortunately, we have seen so much ourselves.
I've been diving in California since I moved here in 1979. I am not surprised, but I am constantly appalled by all the trash I see on the beach, on the surface, and on the sea floor. All of our volunteers feel the same way. That is why we have dedicated so much of our time-and much of our lives-to do what is in our power to remove this garbage that kills marine life in so many insidious ways.
by Founder and President Kurt Lieber
Watch a great short video by our awesome volunteer Walter Marti:
With the end of the lobster season six weeks behind us, we headed out to Palos Verdes under a sunless sky on Sunday, April 28th to remove abandoned traps which I knew were likely left behind by fishermen and still ensnaring animals.
Onboard were many longtime and trusted divers: Steve Millington (dive team coordinator), Andy The, Shingo Ishida, Billy Arcila, John Krieger, Walter Marti (videographer), and Dudley McLaughlin (still photographer). Rounding out the crew were Jim Lieber (1st Mate) and Roger Russell.
Steve, Andy, and Shingo brought along some underwater scooters to help them cover more ground in our search for abandoned lobster traps. That bulky equipment coupled with all the camera gear and many volunteers, made the boat feel a lot smaller than her 40-foot length.
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