2007 has been extremely busy for ODA despite our low activity on and under the water. We were very excited about the late 2006 donation of our new 38-foot flagship, however the generous gift presented one major obstacle - it was moored in a remote area of Washington State. Combined with a long rainy season in the Northwest, we spent over 5 months strategically planning the most cost effective ground transportation to Southern California.

Since the new boat's arrival in Wilmington Harbor (near Long Beach) in May, we have been working tirelessly to make sure the vessel is mechanically sound and safely outfitted to handle multiple divers and increased salvage. This expensive but vital retrofit was only possible thanks to several people who stepped up to the plate to donate substantial sums.

I want to acknowledge all the people who have contributed financially.  I list them here not in particular order of importance, because anything you give is hugely appreciated.   

The first list, the Captain’s Circle, is comprised of our top donors and supporters - Those who have donated $1,000 or more since our launch in 2004.  

I am going to rename the boat “Clearwater” in Paul's honor, derived from his honorary name of "Gray Wolf Clearwater" bestowed by a tribe of native Americans who were deeply impressed by his dedication to the environment.  Thanks, Paul, for all you do for our oceans and most of all for your writings that keep me going against what seem like insurmountable odds. 

Howard Stein and Linda Nicholes gave us the largest single monetary contribution ODA has ever received.  After new boat was donated, we needed to arrange not only transportation, but a new home - a wet slip. Responding to my email for help, Howard and Linda tried to get us into a free slip in Huntington Harbor, but we were prevented by their association rules.  Not giving up, they then gave us $6,000 which greatly helped us with the pricey ground transportation.  Both drive electric cars and have their house completely powered by the solar panels on their roof.  They set a fine example of how to reduce one’s footprint on the earth and water. 

Tom and Kerry Weisel have been supporters from the inception of ODA and played a key role in obtaining our 501c3 nonprofit status. Tom designed, fabricated and donated the dive platform that we custom built for the Garibaldi.  It has gone through more abuse than we ever thought possible, and is still functioning without a hitch. Tom and Kerry moved to Ventura several years ago where they transformed their yard into a native plant paradise.  The only water they use for irrigation is for their organic garden.  Another great example of how to reduce your impact on the earth.  They continue to give generously every year and have a 2 year old son, Kellen, who I am grooming to be an ODA diver!

Carol and Blake Storie have also been supporters from the outset.  They have gotten down and dirty while we worked on the restoration of the Garibaldi, when it was in Anaheim and the temperature was in the 100’s.  Although neither of them dive, they enjoy the oceans and are committed environmentalists.  When they are not traveling the world (Africa, Nepal, South America and Alaska) they are involved in local issues like opposing the extension of the Foothill freeway into state parkland in San Clemente.  Carol has recently donated her time and expertise towards getting all of our video onto a DVD, which is used for all my presentations.

Lisa Davis and Jim Lieber, both ODA board directors, have volunteered hundreds of hours throughout the years and have not slowed down in their dedication to help grow the organization.  Ever since the Clearwater arrived they have been working on it every weekend and more.  What can I say about a brother who is as dedicated as I am to the animals that get no press?  Thanks, and boy did I get lucky in the sibling lottery! 

I met John Milligan back in 98 when he was rummaging around on his hands and knees, dealing with Sea Shepherd computer logistics.  He is still doing it, but for ODA this time.  John has given more of his time than anyone over the years.  He transformed the Garibaldi from an electrician’s nightmare to a functioning and very robust working boat.  Without his expertise ODA would never have had the success we have had in the office and on the water. 

Jared Rubin has been a relative newcomer, but he has been there with a great attitude and insights on how best to develop ODA’s volunteer and support base.  His profession is sales and he employs those skills to help us grow.  The only time he misses an event or working weekend is when he is on the road for business.  His attitude prompted me to ask him to be on the Board of Directors in 2005, and he happily accepted.  He was the ships communication director for Sea Shepherd in 2002 and 2003.  He brings a lot of his professional skills to our volunteers and a lot of energy to our campaigns. 

Chris Bell is a dive Instructor and has leant his expert skills since 2004 to assure that we have the best and safest dive plan in place for each expedition. This has allowed ODA to log 100 dives without a major incident.  He is a talented underwater photographer as well and has taken a lot of our U/W still pictures. Just when I thought I knew him, he surprised me with his skills at fixing the Clearwater's complex mechanical/electrical issues.

Erik Burrows has skills that I never imagined he had.  He has been our most active diver ever since he and Chris started with ODA.  He has skills and confidence that few advanced divers possess. He is constantly calling me to see if we are going out on any given weekend.  He has never missed an opportunity to dive with us, even on short notice. Like Chris, Erik has immersed himself in Clearwater's mechanical/electrical issues and helps solves them. 

Both Chris and Erik have not only donated their time and expertise, but also purchase out of their own pockets many of the parts needed to upgrade the boat.  I could not have dreamed that these two would be so giving of their time and money.  I now refer to Erik as the ships engineer and Chris as our dive guru.  The two of them know everything there is to know about the operation of the new boat and I could not pull away from the dock without one of them onboard. 

I first met Chris Aultman when he visited our booth at the Scuba Show back in 2004. We hit it off right away when I saw his passion for the oceans.  An avid diver, he is also a longtime helicopter flight instructor and has been willing to do anything to help get ODA in the water.  In addition to spending countless hours working on the Garibaldi, he has participated in numerous dive expeditions to retrieve derelict fishing gear. Chris has kindly taken me in the air several times to survey and measure the concentration of traps in the coastal waters targeted by lobster fishermen. Chris and his wife, Elenie, have helped ODA to purchase much needed equipment, and continue to help us with our monthly slip fees for the Clearwater.

In the summer of 2006 I attended a fundraiser for Sea Shepherd in San Diego.  It was a really well organized and fun event held in the heart of the San Diego harbor on the Star of India.  It was the brainchild of Anna Merickan.  Earlier this year at the Animal Rights conference in LA, I had a chance to actually sit down and talk with her at length.  She was very humble about the overwhelming success of the Sea Shepherd fundraiser, and offered to help produce a winning event for ODA. I was thrilled when she gave a very generous donation as well.

I have to say, the underwater world is fortunate to have all these people, and the dozens of other ODA donors, as committed allies.  It is only with the help of these Ocean Defenders that allows ODA to move forward and make a difference.  Our impact may not grab headlines today, but future generations will inherit a healthier ocean habitat because of our efforts to save animals that usually don’t draw media attention.  The lobsters, seals, gorgonians, anemones, featherdusters and all the benthic life will have a better future because of all our hard work today.

Kurt Lieber
Founder and President

Below are additional photos of our Captain Circle members: