By ODA Dive Team Coordinator, Dive Master, and Advisory Board Member Gary Liebmann

Ocean Defenders Alliance (ODA had an incredible day Sunday, March 2nd), and I’m excited to share the experience with you.

At 7:30 AM, the weather at Hālona Cove on Oahu was perfect for a dive – clear skies, light winds, and the ocean was calm with only a gentle swell. It was the perfect setup for a productive morning of cleanup.

I led a team of seven dedicated ODA volunteer scuba divers Chandler Bosch, Jake Kautz, Jarrett Lawson, Bill Metzler, Dan Okamura, Bailey Young, and me. We were ready to make a difference!

We got up before the sun to be at Hālona Cove early to remove marine debris that had been left behind.

By the end of the dive, we brought back a staggering 500 yards of fishing line, hooks, and a collection of lead weights that had been polluting the water.

It’s always a great feeling when we can make a tangible impact like this. Every dive like this helps keep our oceans cleaner and safer for marine life, and it's something I’m proud to be a part of.

If you're ever on Oahu and see the ODA team in action, stop by and give us a wave! Right now, you can check out our ODA Hawaii page to see more of what we're doing in the Hawaiian Islands!