Ocean Defenders Alliance

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 posing serious threats to ocean wildlife and habitats.

ODA fills a huge void in the world of marine conservation by taking on the role of “cleanup crew” for the seas. We don’t just talk about the need for clean oceans—we physically go out and make it happen! 

Our Founder, Kurt Lieber, is an avid diver and underwater photographer, and while enjoying recreational dives recognized through his own experiences the need for this important work. Although a mechanical engineer by trade, Kurt’s passion has always been the health of marine wildlife and their habitats. On dives all over the world, he saw human trash and commercial fishing gear that had been discarded…often wrapped around beautiful reefs, trapping and killing helpless marine life in an endless cycle. The more he learned, the more Kurt felt a compelling urgency to “dive in” and help the ecosystem survive this onslaught of man-made debris and pollution. So, in 2002, he took action and created the nonprofit 501(c)(3) Ocean Defender’s Alliance.

Since then, Kurt’s leadership and vision has translated into tangible results for ocean life: hundreds of volunteer divers have removed many tons of deadly man-made debris; presentations have helped educate thousands of school children, business/civic groups, and dive club members; and the “Alliance” of concerned citizens and organizations is growing. While others are talking, ODA is “diving in” to save lives as often as our resources permit.

In 23 years, ODA has performed just under 600 ocean cleanups in 7 different counties of California and Hawai'i. The debris that has been removed from harm's way includes:

Plastics: over 84 tons (168,000 pounds)
Traps: 540
Trap lines that entangle whales: 51,000 feet
Fishing line: 293,000 feet
Nets: 49,000 pounds
Misc Debris: 139,000 pounds
Lead fishing weights: 11,500 pounds

And so much more! Marine wildlife and their habitats are safer without this hazardous debris.

Operating boats is extremely expensive, therefore, we need funds to keep our boats in safe working order. In addition to repairs and maintenance, we need fuel, oil and other consumables to run the vessel.  For our crew, we need air for dive tanks, supplies for removing debris, and food/provisions to sustain the volunteers.   Volunteers: We need skilled divers, who can work in stressful situations and help us out at least once a month.  We also need people who are willing to work on and clean the boat. We would be happy to answer any questions, so please do contact us!  :) 

Currently defending ocean wildlife in southern California in Orange, Los Angeles, San Diego, and Ventura counties, as well as Maui, Oahu, and the Big Island in Hawai'i. We hope to expand slowly into other states as time and resources permit, including Florida and Washington state.

Ocean Defenders Alliance (ODA) began protecting California's ocean ecosystems and wildlife in 2000. We are the longest running nonprofit focused solely on removal of dangerous man-made fishing gear from the coastal waters of California.  Since then, and because of the help of our many wonderful volunteers, we have removed vast amounts of trap-line and net that too often entangle whales, dolphins, and sea lions. We have also recovered hundreds of abandoned lobster traps and many tons of other debris that was threatening marine life. The result for sea life is simple: ODA's work has saved hundreds of thousands of animals from unnecessary and horrific death (most often drowning or starvation).  The world's oceans are in serious decline, primarily due to human abuse and neglect--but there is cause for hope! Working together with respect and focus, we will increase our already positive impact.  Please help us ensure healthy oceans for future generations. The time to act is NOW! Come join us!

Many organizations are now talking about the state of the oceans. The need for talk, debate, and politics is real--but the oceans are dying now, and ODA is hard at work defending the seas. ODA truly "walks-the-walk." Won't you join us?