Saving the Oceans, One Dive at a Time.
This is just a glimpse of the many invaluable team members that support OCF’s mission.
The Ocean Conservation Foundation (OCF) is proud to partner with volunteers from Rainbow Reef Dive Center, who play a vital role in our restoration efforts. Our team consists of 38 team members, who are engaged in numerous projects. While we have highlighted a few of these individuals on our site.
D.J. is the owner of Rainbow Reef Dive Center and founded Ocean Conservation Foundation in 2021, being a passionate advocate for marine conservation. His journey in the diving industry has been deeply intertwined with his mission to protect and preserve the ocean. Years ago, D.J. took a bold step by eliminating plastic water bottles from all of Rainbow Reef's boats, a move that set an example for sustainable practices in the diving community.
It is his vision to employ an army of dive professionals who will have a pivotal role in shaping conservation programs, and through his leadership, Rainbow Reef’s dive professionals are now educated on sustainable practices, from reef-safe sunscreens to active participation in coral restoration.
D.J. envisions his legacy as one of marine conservation, striving to ensure that the underwater world is not only explored but also protected for generations to come. He is committed to creating lasting change by fostering collaborations between dive centers, marine scientists, and conservationists to secure a future for the oceans.
Melissa is a seasoned marine biologist, educator, and passionate advocate for marine conservation. Her diverse career spans academia, environmental education, and scuba instruction, where she has made significant contributions to marine science and conservation. Her expertise includes teaching at all levels (middle school through university) as well as guiding scuba expeditions and leading marine biology courses aboard catamarans.
As the Director of Conservation at Rainbow Reef Dive Center, Melissa spearheads initiatives to protect the coral reef systems within the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. She serves as the Lead Mission: Iconic Reef Guardian for both Rainbow Reef Dive Center and the Ocean Conservation Foundation (OCF),and coordinates vital conservation projects and partnerships with renowned organizations such as Mote Marine Laboratory (Mote), Coral Restoration Foundation (CRF), Reef Renewal USA, Reef Relief, and the Reef Environmental Education Foundation (REEF).
Her blend of academic rigor and hands-on experience enables her to educate and inspire future generations about the significance of ocean conservation while leading collaborative efforts to restore and protect Florida's marine ecosystems.
After graduating with a degree in Marine Biology from the College of Charleston, Bridget moved to Fiji to begin her career in marine conservation. She spent almost four years studying the health of coral reefs in Fiji to better understand the dynamics between reef species in order to help local communities identify missing components in their reef systems and develop plans to restore them.
Bridget is very passionate about teaching others about the marine world, as she is confident in the belief that if more people become aware of the crisis our oceans are facing, the better chance we have at saving them.
After serving 24 years in the Army, Jack sought a new adventure in Key Largo. Discovering his passion for scuba diving, he transitioned into a career as a scuba instructor. Jack uses photography to share the underwater world with divers and non-divers, showcasing the beauty and importance of marine conservation.
Luc's journey through Asia's diverse landscapes ignited a dual passion for food and diving. This exploration shaped Luc into a chef with a deep commitment to culinary artistry and a restless desire to explore.
Balancing the demands of restaurant management, Luc's life took a transformative turn a year ago when Luc rekindled his love for diving.
Now, living the dream on a boat in the Florida Keys, Luc has found a harmonious balance between his love for the sea, sharing his passion for scuba diving and cooking. This unique lifestyle allows Luc to pursue both passions fervently, intertwining maritime exploration with the creation of diverse culinary experiences.
Luc is one of our Mission Iconic Reef Guardians .
Over the years, she recognized the critical need for conservation efforts not only in the Florida Keys but across the world's oceans. Jo has actively collaborated with organizations such as REEF, CRF, MOTE, ICARE, BIMS (Black in Marine Science), and summer scuba camps, inspiring the next generation to get involved and make a difference. She is dedicated to supporting coral restoration and ocean conservation initiatives throughout the Keys. After a 36-year career as a public school educator, Jo has discovered a new way to help others learn, grow, and create positive change.
After 30 years in international finance, Elliott followed his love for the ocean and mentoring and changed his life into a professional career in scuba instruction. Although Elliott has lived all over the United States, he has always been brought back to the ocean and has found his life in Key Largo helping to lead the process of restoring the reef tract.
Elliott is one of our Dive Against Debris and Ocean Clean-up Liaisons.
Born and raised in South Florida, Casey developed a passion for marine science from a young age, inspired by the coastal ecosystems that surrounded her. This passion led Casey to pursue a degree in environmental science, where she engaged in diverse research projects focusing on water quality and environmental management.
She continued her dive training in the Philippines, immersing herself in a long-term coral reef monitoring project off the Dauin coastline. This experience not only sharpened her diving skills but also solidified her commitment to protecting marine ecosystems.
Her journey then brought her to the Florida Keys, where she took on roles as a marine science and scuba instructor, sharing her knowledge and nurturing a new generation of marine conservationists. Casey continues to educate divers on the significance of marine conservation and sustainable diving practices.
Whether conducting research, teaching, or guiding divers, she aims to continue preserving our oceans for future generations.
Ocean Conservation Foundation
100 Ocean Drive
Key Largo, FL 33037
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info@oceanconservationfoundation.org
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