At Ocean Defenders Alliance (ODA), we’re powered by passionate people who dive in—literally and figuratively—to protect the ocean we all depend on. This month, we’re proud to shine a spotlight on Jamie Pardau, a dedicated and dynamic force in our mission. With a fierce commitment to marine conservation and a steady presence on our cleanup crews, Jamie brings both heart and hustle to every ODA effort.
Meet Jamie through the eyes of our Founder and President, Kurt Lieber, as he reflects on her dedication and impact:
The oceans, and ODA, are fortunate to have such a dedicated person as Jamie Pardau working on a variety of projects that help study and heal the seas.
Jamie has been volunteering with ODA since 2023 and rarely misses any of the boat or harbor cleanups that happen on the Big Island. It’s been a treat getting to know her over the years, as her interests and involvement with the community are expansive.
In addition to helping out with ODA activities, she helps study the health of the corals at a site called Kahalu’u Beach Park. This site is a GREAT place for snorkeling and has a healthy population of a variety of corals, but because it is so popular with the public, it really benefits from the studies that keep track of the ups and downs of reef life.
Jamie also volunteers with a group called GEMs, which focuses on nurturing girls in the pursuit of marine sciences.
As you can see, Jamie is one involved lady – an inspiration for us all. To say that she and her husband (Bo Pardau) are totally immersed in the oceans is an understatement!
Dear Friend, after you read our Q&A interview with Jamie, be sure to watch her video interview and check out the photo gallery below that has some cool pics Bo took!
Q: What drew your attention to the ocean and when?
A: I grew up looking at the ocean from my window in Southern California. It always represented peace and beauty to me. As an adult, I learned to SCUBA dive, and the full picture of its beauty was revealed to me. I’ve always felt that we must protect the things we love.
Jamie enjoying what she calls "a moment's bliss"!
Q: What are your favorite ODA expeditions?
A: I am often torn between my favorite ODA dives being on clean, healthy reefs, which I love to see, but can’t accomplish much toward their improvement, and dives on sites with lots of fish gear and lines wrapped around coral heads--places where I feel I can do a lot of good. I have finally decided that it’s a win/win! Either the reef is clean, or we’ll clean it!
Q: Any funny stories to share from an ODA cleanup?
A: Some of the most humorous moments come on dives where there are so many beautiful fish and other creatures that it’s hard to focus on the task at hand. Our wonderful leader here in Kona is Sarah Milisen. She shares our enthusiasm for marine life but exhorts us to “Get back to work!” No matter how gruff she tries to sound, we laugh and enjoy her spirit. She has truly built a team.
Editor's note: Jamie shared these photos of herself in the past. Clearly she loves the ocean environment and wildlife! We have a feeling Sarah has exhorted Jamie to stop gazing at the beauty and "Get back to work"! Lol...just teasing Jamie...
Q: Why do you like volunteering with ODA?
A: I have been a volunteer with many marine protection efforts for the past 20 years, but ODA surpasses all other diving expeditions. The genuine love of the ocean shared by the leaders and the other volunteers creates a community of caring. We can visit a reef multiple times and see improvement in the conditions with each dive. It’s so rewarding.
Q: Your husband is also a volunteer with ODA. Can you talk about the positives of volunteering together?
A: My husband, Bo, is a gifted photographer. He shares that talent with ODA, documenting our work. We learned to dive together in 1991, before we were even married. In order to continue enjoying the beauty of the ocean, we knew we had to contribute toward its protection. Diving together and now working together with ODA have forged a deep bond that is a big part of our union.
Here are two photo of Jamie and Bo from the past: On the left, in front of the Kahalu’u Bay Education Center van, where they rented gear until COVID, and on the right, enjoying time on the beach together.
Q: Aside from diving with ODA, where else do you like to dive and why?
A: I have many places I love to dive, but the reef that truly owns my heart is a shallow bay four miles from my home. Kahalu’u Bay, at its deepest point, is just 10 feet deep and has suffered from 400,000 snorkelers per year for many years. In 2008, I joined the ReefTeach program there to educate guests about snorkeling without doing damage. In 2022, we were honored to be recognized by Dr Sylvia Earle as a “Hope Spot”. I do fish surveys, monitor specific corals, and act as an Aloha Ambassador to the tourists who flood the beach park daily. I have named “my corals” and know much about them and their histories. It has become very personal. This week, my little Pocillopora Meandrina (Cauliflower Coral) will spawn for the first time, and I will become a “grandma”!
Q: Is there anything else you’d like to share?
Bo and I have recently amended our trust and will. We plan to live for a long time, but someday, ODA will benefit from our passing. I would encourage others who are in a position to do this to consider gifting this wonderful organization, both now and then.
Enjoy Jamie's recorded interview:
Jamie’s dedication to protecting the ocean is truly contagious, and we hope her story encourages you to get involved in your own way. You don’t need to be a diver to help restore our marine environments—there are so many ways to make a difference. Whether you're ready to volunteer or prefer to support our cleanup efforts through donations, your involvement fuels the work that keeps our oceans healthy and alive.
Take a moment to enjoy Jamie’s photo gallery—we think you’ll be inspired!
