Dive Against Debris, Ocean Defenders' Mission to Save Marine Life

Kurt Lieber, founder of Ocean Defenders Alliance, discusses the organization's efforts to remove abandoned fishing gear from the ocean. These efforts aim to prevent harm to marine life, such as whales, which are increasingly entangled in these traps. The organization faces challenges in locating and removing the gear, but the dedication of volunteers and the local impact of their work drive them forward. Despite the global scale of the problem, the focus remains on making a difference locally.

What is the primary mission of the Ocean Defenders Alliance?

• To build artificial reefs

• To conduct marine life research

• To remove abandoned commercial fishing gear

• To promote ocean tourism

What has been the trend in whale entanglements over the past four years?

• There is no data available

• The number has increased

• The number has remained the same

• The number has decreased

Why is it difficult to locate abandoned traps during expeditions?

• The traps are camouflaged

• The traps are buried under sand

• The water is murky and visibility is low

• The traps are too small

What is attached to the traps to bring them to the surface?

• A rope ladder

• A metal hook

• A lift bag

• A fishing net

What keeps Kurt Lieber and his volunteers motivated despite the global scale of ocean problems?

• The financial rewards

• The local impact they see

• The ease of the work

• The recognition from the government