INSPIRATION
Sylvia Earle’s Ted Talk – Link to my personal hero’s impassioned call for all of us to help our oceans in any manner possible.
http://www.ted.com/talks/sylvia_earle_s_ted_prize_wish_to_protect_our_oceans.html
CONSERVATION GROUPS AND RESOURCES
Mission Blue – Sylvia Earle’s organization dedicated to protecting and saving our oceans through exploration, education and creation of dedicated marine sanctuaries.
NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) – US Government department offering resources for our information on our oceans, environment and the impact we are making on this planet.
NRDC (National Resource Defense Council) - One of the nation's most effective environmental action groups, combining the grassroots power of 1.4 million members and online activists with the courtroom clout and expertise of more than 350 lawyers, scientists and other professionals.
The Ocean Conservancy – Many conservation resources including the ability to find a beach cleanup near your locale.
http://www.oceanconservancy.org/healthy-ocean/clean-beaches-clean-water/
Ocean Debris - NOAA resource page on Ocean Debris
Pew Charitable Trust – More specifically the Pew Environmental initiatives web area is one of the most dynamic voices for spreading environmental information and giving you a channel for your voice to be heard on important issues by the US government. They promote initiatives and if you subscribe, send out easy to read informational updates and ask for your easy electronic signature on issues sent to the decisive members or the US Government.
http://www.pewenvironment.org/
Project Aware – Scuba Diving group dedicated to ocean awareness of various issues challenging the oceans, including PR resources for educational use.
REEF (The Reef Environmental Education Foundation) – A grass-roots organization that seeks to conserve marine ecosystems by educating, enlisting and enabling divers and other marine enthusiasts to become active ocean stewards and citizen scientists.
Sea Shepherds - An international nonprofit on the frontlines in the battle to save ocean wildlife worldwide. Best known for their rather radical tactics used to save the hunting of whales but also involved in saving many species of endangered ocean wildlife.
Shark Savers – Organization dedicated to saving sharks and mantas through building awareness, education, and action.
https://www.sharksavers.org/en/home/
Wild Aid – Not for profit whose mission is to end the illegal wildlife trade in our lifetimes by reducing demand through public awareness campaigns and providing comprehensive marine protection.
5 Gyres – Website devoted to explaining the “Plastic Problem” haunting our planet and accompanying resources.
EDUCATIONAL VENUES
HIMB (Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology) – HIMB offers cutting edge research facilities and resources for faculty, students, and visiting scientists coupled with convenient access to a diverse range of marine environments.
SOEST (School of Ocean and Earth Science Technology) – University of Hawaii’s Ocean and Earth Science school with various resources for studies involving our oceans and earth and specifics dealing with the Hawaiian Islands.
UNDERWATER PHOTOGRAPHY RESOURCES
Backscatter – The premier supplier of underwater photography and film equipment.
Wetpixel - The focal gathering site for all things related to underwater photography and videography.
Reef and Rainforest - A fully accredited and registered US Travel Agency, we work with you to tailor each trip to your specific interests and create an escape perfectly suited for you. We can provide you with accommodation, diving, air tickets, land excursions and transfers.