Ocean Defenders Alliance

Mission: Ocean Defenders Alliance works to clean and protect marine ecosystems through documentation, education, and meaningful action. Working with affected communities, we focus primarily on the reduction and removal of man-made debris which poses serious threats to ocean wildlife and habitats.

Results: Ocean debris removed through 2019:

Plastic Debris: 46,000 pounds
Misc debris: 30,000 pounds
Traps (lobster, snail, crabpot, hoop): 390
Trap Line: 43,750 feet
Net (gill, squid, mixed unknown): 34,000 pounds
Fishing line: 46,400 feet
Fishing Weights, Lead: 2,775 pounds

In addition to the physical removal of ghost gear and pollution, ODA representatives give presentations about the plight of the oceans and what you can do about it at schools, civic groups, dive clubs, boat/sail clubs, and more.

Target demographics: clean the oceans and save marine wildlife.

Direct beneficiaries per year: We help all marine life (birds, fish, invertebrates, mammals, plants and algae) by removing from the ocean abandoned fishing gear including lines, nets, and traps, as well as all other forms of man-made debris such as plastic, metal, and all types of garbage.

Geographic areas served: Coastal waters

Programs: Ocean Defenders Alliance (ODA) uses boats or works from shore to remove man-made debris ranging from every kind of abandoned fishing gear to plastic trash. The large majority of this active work is done at sea, from aboard our 50-foot vessel donated by television celebrity Bob Barker and named after him: Mr. Barker's LegaSea. The boat crews are volunteer deckhands, mechanics, divers, and our captain is ODA Founder and President Kurt Lieber. Our team's primary action goal: Remove manmade pollution from the oceans, leaving marine habitat and wildlife in a safe and thriving environment.