Slide background

News and Media

News and Media

Video shot at Coronado Islands in May 2011 confirmed the presence of the ghost net. Last month the team removed approximately 1000 pounds of the netting and two abandoned lobster traps. Most of the netting is draped on reef and buried in sand at a maximum depth 100 feet. It is imperative to remove the nets before winter storms drive the net onto the reef where it will have a severe impact on the health of the ecosystem.

Founded in 2000 and based in Orange County, California, Ocean Defenders Alliance (ODA) is a marine conservation organization and became a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 2002. ODA is committed to protecting Southern California's near shore rocky reef and seabed ecosystems from dangerous man-made objects, focusing on derelict and abandoned commercial fishing gear that poses serious risk to marine life. ODA has removed over 12,000 pounds of abandoned fishing net to date. More information on Defenders Alliance can be found at oceandefendersalliance.org.