Mr. Barker, in reference to ODA's work, stated, "We are all deeply concerned when we hear about whales, sea birds, and other animal victims killed by abandoned fishing gear. This is an 'out of sight, out of mind issue,' and it is time for exploitation industries to stop using our magnificent oceans as a dumping ground. Marine debris is a critical issue: Ocean Defenders Alliance is fighting for ocean life, and ultimately this planet's survival. I am proud to sponsor ODA's work, and I hope the public will join me!"
Captain Kurt Lieber, Founder and President of the decade-old Ocean Defenders Alliance, was ecstatic when informed of Mr. Barker's pledge of support, "This is a game-changer for ODA. We will be able to get better equipment now, and have an even greater impact from this point forward. Thanks to Mr. Barker, our awesome volunteer crews will be able to save more lives in 2013 than ever before. I am humbled, I am grateful, and ODA is empowered!"
ODA's plans for the funds donated by Mr. Barker: a more cost effective boat with a dive compressor, underwater camera gear to better document (and educate the public about) their activities, a new multi-media computer for ODA's office, diver propulsion units that will increase safety & mobility, and a small reserve for boat maintenance. According to Captain Lieber, "We can now conduct more debris removal dives, which in addition to educating the public, is what ODA is really all about."
ODA is in a much-improved position now, but diving and operating a boat is expensive, so Mr. Lieber shared his hope that the public will join Mr. Barker in helping defend marine life by becoming educated and by making donations via ODA's website: http://www.oceandefenders.org/donate.
For ODA, Contact: Captain Kurt Lieber
Mobile: (714) 875-5881
For Mr. Barker, Contact: Henri Bollinger
Phone: 818-784-0534
Mobile: 818-207-3252
To obtain photos or video: call (714) 875-5881 or email kurt@oceandefenders.org
Ocean Defenders Alliance (ODA) is a marine conservation nonprofit organization founded in 2002. ODA works to clean and protect marine ecosystems through documentation, education, and meaningful action. Working with affected communities, we focus onthe reduction and removal of man-made debris that poses serious threats to ocean wildlife and habitats.
