| Oceanic Defense is an international non-profit organization with members in over 60 countries, spanning 6 continents with 1 mission; healthy aquatic ecosystems free from human abuse and neglect. Oceanic Defense teaches people to protect our oceans by acting responsibly as consumers and by making smart decisions in our daily lives. |
Whether we are buying groceries, commuting to work, planning a vacation or advocating within our own communities; each action we take or decision we make either helps or hurts our oceans. We empower people to be part of the solution rather than part of the problem and work together to protect our blue planet. |
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Jeff Shaw
Founder | Executive Director |
Daniella Shaw - Director Communications |
Samantha Whitcraft - Director
Conservation Biology & Research |
A marketing and advertising professional, Jeff brings with him15 years of experience at the corporate level. An active PADI scuba instructor he wanted to combine his two passions; ocean conservation and consumer awareness ; the result is Oceanic Defense.
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With a lifetime of serving the public it was only natural that Dani would become our communications director. She is the front line of OD. If you've called our offices you have probably chatted with Dani. An ocean warrior, Dani cares passionately about our ocean and its future. Dani is an Advanced PADI Diver. |
Samantha earned her Bachelor's degree in Natural Sciences from Harvard University (2000) and her Masters of Marine Affairs and Policy from the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences (2009). Samantha is also a PADI scuba instructor. |
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Brendal Davis
Shark Conservationist |
Todd Cameron
Field Coordinator |
Omar Mulla
Youth Ambassador |
Brendal has been an inspiration for all of those who care about the ocean. Her relentless dedication to shark conservation is rooted in her appreciation of the fragile marine ecosystems, developed over the years as an active dive instructor.
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Todd has been a member of 'the Aquatic Army' from the beginning consistently adding his strength and support to everything OD.
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Omar contacted Oceanic Defense a few month ago through his school’s environmental group inquiring about assistance with a shark conservation program. It was immediately clear that Omar was on a mission to protect sharks.
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The aquatic environments we strive to protect are comprised of a diverse, interconnected system of unique organisms each playing an integral part in its overall function. Healthy aquatic ecosystems function as a whole -- at first glance it is not always evident how interconnected our underwater environment truly is, yet each and every different and unique component serves a vital role.
We have taken the same philosophical approach when considering Oceanic Defense's advisory board members. We are forming a group as diverse as the ocean and the many challenges we face in working to protect it.
We are pleased and honored to present our advisory board:
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Photographer, Writer, Ocean Advocate
Amanda Cotton, has never left home without at least one camera in tow for over 20 years. Specializing in underwater and travel photography, her technical abilities and skills were further mastered through rigorous professional education.
Amanda was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. As an avid scuba diver, dive instructor, and surfer Amanda has always loved being in and around water. Amanda's goal is to help the general public embrace the beauty below the waves, in hopes that with awareness comes concern.
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Producer, Photographer & Motivational Speaker
Annie AKA "OCEAN ANNIE" has become one of America’s leading ocean-environ educators. Founder of www.DiveIntoYourImagination.com, her company changes the way a new generation views the ocean. As an underwater cinematographer and educator, Annie has created a series of award winning books, DVDs, motivational art series and has become a Les Brown Platinum Speaker.
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Doctor of Philosophy - Ecology, Evolution and Marine Ecology,
Dr. Bill as he is known received his undergraduate degree from Harvard. He developed a 10-course field oriented science curruculum for his students when he taught at the Catalina Island School. During this time Bill also worked closely with Jean-Michel Cousteau, Dr. Richard Murphy, Dr. Sylvia Earle and others on Cousteau Institute educational programs. Bill later worked for Jacques Yves and Jean-Michel Cousteau on a two-hour TV documentary as part of their Rediscovery of the World documentary series.
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Executive Director, Ocean Champions, Ocean Advocate
Mike Dunmyer is the Executive Director of Ocean Champions. Before joining Ocean Champions, Mike created, developed and led strategy, finance, marketing and operations organizations as a Vice President in the Fortune 500 world. During the past three years, Mike also served on the Ocean Champions Board of Directors. During that time he led a successful strategic planning and implementation effort and also managed the Board’s Executive Committee
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5 Time Grammy Nominated Composer
A multi-platinum selling Pianist/Composer/Producer who's received 5 Grammy Award nominations in the last 6 years. He's scored over 100 Television and Film Productions including 11 On and Off-Broadway dramatic plays. He's performed all over the world and is a proud recipient of the Environmental Leadership Award from the United Nations.
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Writer/filmmaker
Shaun Monson’s credits include the award-winning documentary Earthlings, which focuses on the suffering of animals used for food, fashion, pets, entertainment and medical research and is narrated by Academy Award nominee Joaquin Phoenix. He is currently working on Unity, volume two of the trilogy. His comedy Bad Actors, a certified Dogme 95 film, premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in 2001.
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Evironmental Lawyer, Founder Taber Law Group
Steve Taber is an attorney who has been practicing environmental law for over 20 years. Environmental law has always been his passion. Although a relative newcomer to the protection of the oceans and their inhabitants, his experience in all facets of environmental law makes Steve a a key member of our team and we look forward to his valued assistance to protect the sea...
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Author, Scientist, Wildlife Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Ph.D.
Dr. Wallace "J." Nichols is a scientist, activist, community organizer, author, and dad. He works to inspire a deeper connection with nature, sometimes simply by walking and talking, other times through writing or images. He knows that science and knowledge can also stoke our fires. But what really moves people is feeling part of and touching something bigger than ourselves.
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Australia
Brett Hobbs - australia[at]oceanicdefense.org |
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Canada
Kris Boksman - canada[at]oceanicdefense.org
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Japan
Mimi AuYeung - japan[at]oceanicdefense.org |
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South America
Luciana Amado - southamerica[at]oceanicdefense.org |
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