We, at Ocean Defenders Alliance (ODA), are honored and thrilled to work for a debris-free sea alongside so many incredible individuals who generously share their time, talent, and heart to help protect our oceans. This month, we’re excited to celebrate Temple Liebmann—a standout volunteer and unwavering advocate for marine life and conservation on Oahu, Hawaii.
We’d like to introduce you to Temple through the words of our Founder and President Kurt Lieber:
Temple Liebmann has been a huge boon to ODA. It’s hard to encapsulate the things she does, because she does so much.
Any time we need to do our monthly boat dives in Oahu coastal waters, she puts out an email letting our volunteers know all the details.
A very commendable character trait of Temple’s is that she’s highly self-motivated and is always coming up with new ways to help.
When I told her we need someone to take photographs of all the action topside, she took it upon herself to grab a camera and get the images that help tell the story of what our divers go through and document the debris collected. This is how you might recognize her on the boat:
When we put out a press release, Temple is all over that and tracks down a variety of media that might be inclined to cover our story. At one of the harbor cleanups we did last year, her efforts resulted in 3 different media platforms covering that epic cleanup!
We had been doing periodic underwater cleanups at Hanauma Bay a number of years ago, but we weren’t consistent. Temple took it upon herself to get in contact with the Friends of Hanauma Bay “FHB” (who oversee all the activities that go on in this Marine Protected Area – MPA) and reinvigorated that project to the point where we are doing monthly underwater patrols of those beautiful reefs to make sure that any marine debris that gets in there is hauled out as quickly and efficiently as possible.
When a huge amount of net and lines washed up inside the MPA, we were contacted by the FHB and asked if we could remove it ASAP. Within 48 hours she and her husband Gary Liebmann, had 5 divers on site and removed about 1,500 pounds of debris. That was well organized and quickly put together – in a word “successful.”
Editor's note: See Gary and Temple together below. They even keep an eye on the ocean from home!
We’re extremely grateful to both Temple and Gary for putting their love of the oceans into action. They’re wonderful people to be around, and stellar stewards of the planet!
Dear Friend, after you read our Q&A interview with Temple, be sure to watch her video interview and look at the photo gallery below!
Q: What drew your attention to the ocean and when?
A: I've always felt a connection to the ocean—it’s a place of adventure, power, and beauty that has been a source of joy for as long as I can remember. Some of my earliest and fondest memories are of visiting my grandparents as a child and spending endless days playing in the ocean with my cousins. We would dive under the waves, search for shells in the sand, and lose track of time completely, completely immersed in the magic of the water.
Editor's note: Here you can see Temple - growing up enjoying the ocean (more pics in the gallery below)!
But it wasn’t just the fun and adventure that drew me in—it was the way the ocean made me feel, both small and in awe, yet deeply connected to something bigger than myself. As I grew older, I began to understand the delicate balance of marine ecosystems and the threats they face. Witnessing the impact of marine debris firsthand turned my love for the ocean into a responsibility to protect it.
What started as childhood wonder evolved into a lifelong passion for ocean conservation. Whether it’s removing harmful debris, rescuing wildlife, or educating others, I feel a deep sense of purpose in giving back to the ocean that has given me so much.
Editor's note: Here you see Temple continuing the tradition of sharing the joy of the ocean with one of her and Gary's daughters!
Q: What are your favorite ODA expeditions?
A: Some of my favorite ODA expeditions are where we have been able to see the sea life. There’s something incredibly rewarding about cleaning areas where marine life thrives, knowing that our efforts are making an immediate impact.
One of the most memorable days for us was a recent cleanup in Hanauma Bay, particularly sensitive marine habitat, where we discovered a massive ghost net tangled around a reef.
Knowing the damage it can cause is heartbreaking, but the moment we freed the net and watched 3 monk seals playing and swimming around unharmed was amazing. It was a powerful reminder of why we do this work—every piece of debris we remove can mean the difference between life and death for marine creatures.
I also love expeditions where we collaborate with local communities, working alongside other organizations and volunteers who share our passion for ocean conservation is a great experience. The ocean connects us all and knowing that our collective efforts are protecting these waters for future generations makes every cleanup feel even more meaningful.
Q: Any funny stories to share from an ODA cleanup?
A: One of the most unforgettable moments I’ve had on an ODA expedition was when a Canadian film crew joined us to document a cleanup dive. They were filming a show about how different countries tackle their trash, and we took them to one of our usual cleanup sites at Spitting Caves.
See Temple (far left) with her fellow Ocean Defenders and their "Catch of the Day"!
As our divers were surfacing, right on cue, a pod of spinner dolphins appeared, swimming gracefully toward the boat. Then, as if they knew they had an audience, they put on a spectacular show—leaping, spinning, and splashing in the sunlight. The film crew was in awe, cameras rolling as they captured the perfect, almost magical scene.
One of them turned to me, wide-eyed, and asked, “Does this happen often?” I couldn’t help but laugh and say, “Of course! The dolphins are always happy when we come to clean up.” 😊
Q: Why do you like volunteering with ODA?
A: I love the hands-on nature of ODA’s work, whether it’s diving to free a reef from abandoned fishing gear or hauling debris onto the boat with an amazing team of like-minded people. Every expedition is a reminder that small actions add up and knowing that we’re making the ocean a safer place for marine life keeps me coming back.
Temple (middle) and the ODA Crew with another "Catch of the Day."
But beyond the work itself, it’s the people who make ODA special. The dedication, passion, and camaraderie of the crew create an inspiring environment where everyone shares the same goal—restoring and protecting the ocean. Being part of a team that turns concern into action is what makes volunteering with ODA so much fun!
Q: Your husband Gary also volunteers. Can you talk about the positives of volunteering together? Did one or the other start first with ODA or did you both “dive in” at the same time?
A: Gary started volunteering with ODA first since he’s a scuba diver, while I joined later as part of the crew. Even though we have different roles, it’s been an incredible experience to volunteer together. Sharing a passion for ocean conservation makes the work even more rewarding.
One of the best parts of volunteering as a team is knowing that we’re making a difference together. I support the divers from the boat, helping to haul debris and keep things running smoothly, while Gary is underwater removing harmful debris firsthand. We celebrate the victories (big and small) and share the sense of purpose that comes with protecting marine life.
One of the best parts of volunteering with ODA is the incredible friendships we’ve built along the way. After a cleanup, there’s nothing better than heading to Kona Brewing Company with the crew to relax, swap stories, and celebrate another successful cleanup. It’s become a fun tradition—kicking back with great food, good laughs, and the shared satisfaction of making a difference.
Over time, our team has truly become a family. We don’t just dive together for cleanups—we dive for fun, too! Whether it’s exploring a new site or just enjoying time in the water, we share a deep love for the ocean. And beyond that, we’ve built friendships that extend far beyond the boat. From picnics at the beach to holiday gatherings, ODA has brought together an amazing group of people who not only work hard for the ocean but also support and enjoy each other like family.
Enjoy Temple’s recorded interview:
Temple’s passion for ocean conservation is sure to spark inspiration in others—and if you feel moved to make a positive impact too, we’d be thrilled to have you join us. As you read, you don't have to be a scuba diver to make a difference for the oceans. So whether you'd like to volunteer your time or financially support the cleanups we're grateful for your partnership that keeps our waters thriving.
Have fun browsing through Temple's photo gallery!
