By Oahu Volunteer Coordinator and Advisory Board Member Temple Liebmann

Ocean Defenders Alliance (ODA) O‘ahu team set out from Hawai‘i Kai aboard the Sea Fox, captained by Matt Negaard, on Sunday, November 16, 2025, for what became one of our most meaningful cleanups of the year.

We were honored to have ODA Founder Kurt Lieber join the crew as topside support, alongside Temple Liebmann and Kassandra Leclair, making for a full and energized team ready for the day’s mission. Our plan was to begin at Fish Camp, but as we approached, the ocean made its mood unmistakably clear. The site was churning in “washing-machine” conditions—crossing swells, steep chop, and unpredictable waves—making it unsafe for diving. After a careful evaluation, we shifted course and headed toward Spitting Caves, where the conditions, while still lively, were far more diveable.

At Spitting Caves, divers encountered the site’s characteristic mix of lateral surge, pulsing current, and shifting underwater visibility. The contours of the reef, carved by powerful water movement, create pockets where debris collects, and the team was prepared for a productive dive.

Here you can see the caves:

Dive Leader Gary Liebmann led a strong group of twelve divers: Eduardo Abreu, Henry Bennett, Chandler Bosch, Elena Dobrica, Crystal Grey (documenting the cleanup underwater), Jake Kautz, Bill Metzler, Kai Melcher, Dan Okamura, Ed Siseno, Roschelle Waldman, and Bailey Young. Together they descended, working with precision and steady teamwork to remove debris without harming the reef. Topside photos were taken by Kurt, and our always-excellent underwater photographer was Crystal. Thanks to you both for documenting the cleanup!

Gary gives the dive orientation

Almost immediately, the team began uncovering significant accumulations of lost fishing gear. Lead weights had settled deep into cracks and channels in the rock, and monofilament and braided fishing line were tightly wrapped around coral structures.

Through coordinated cutting, untangling, and lifting, the divers worked their way through the debris field. By the end of the dive, they surfaced with approximately 100 pounds of lead and fishing line, making this another successful debris removal.  

As the team wrapped up the mission and prepared to head back to the harbor, we were treated to a brief but uplifting encounter: a small pod of spinner dolphins appeared off the stern of the Sea Fox, as if offering a final acknowledgment of the day’s work. Their timing couldn’t have been more perfect—an encouraging reminder of the wildlife we strive to protect with every cleanup.

Ocean Defenders Marine Cleanup Crew with their "Catch of the Day"

Having Kurt onboard to witness the dedication and effectiveness of the ODA Hawai‘i volunteers made the day especially meaningful. Thanks to the skill and commitment of our divers, crew, and captain, another substantial load of hazardous debris is now out of the ocean, helping to safeguard marine life and preserve the beauty of the Spitting Caves coastline. Mahalo to everyone who contributed their time and energy to make this cleanup a success.