Participating Organizations & Partners

Division of Aquatic Resources - Protected Species Program
Part of the State of Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), the Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR) manages the Protected Species Program (PSP) to conserve, protect, and enhance marine animal species in Hawaiian waters.
Kristen Kelly, Marine Species Outreach & Education Coordinator | (808) 304-3017 | kristen.m.kelly@hawaii.gov

The Kohala Center - Marine Stewardship at Kahaluʻu Bay
Kahaluʻu Bay is a wahi pana, a sacred and storied place. The Kohala Center's Reef Teach program is a community-based stewardship effort dedicated to strengthening the bay's resilience through education, ecological monitoring, and advocacy. Daily, on-ʻāina beach outreach empowers visitors with respectful engagement practices. The Nāna Kahaluʻu Monitoring Plan integrates western science and Native Hawaiian methodologies to track coral health, water quality, fish populations, and human impact. TKC works in partnership with the County of Hawaiʻi and DLNR as managing agencies of Kahaluʻu Bay.
Kathleen Clark, Coastal Stewardship Manager | kclark@kohalacenter.org

Reef Check Foundation - Hawai‘i Chapter
Established in 1996, the Reef Check Foundation is a global nonprofit empowering citizen scientists to conserve tropical coral reefs and temperate kelp forests. With volunteers in over 40 countries, Reef Check is relaunching its Hawai‘i coral reef monitoring program this fall to support sustainable reef management.
Brad Giles, Hawai‘i Island Coordinator | (425) 350-9889 | hawaii@reefcheck.org

Marine Megafauna Foundation
The Marine Megafauna Foundation (MMF) is an internationally recognized marine conservation nonprofit operating in the Americas, Western Indian Ocean, and Asia Pacific. Its mission is to protect endangered marine species—like manta rays and whale sharks—through research, education, and outreach. In Hawai‘i, MMF partners with Manta Pacific Research Foundation and DLNR to support community education around the endangered oceanic manta ray (Mobula birostris).
Mark Hackney | (713) 319-5045 | mark.hackney@marinemegafauna.org

Ke Kai Ola - The Marine Mammal Center
Ke Kai Ola, part of The Marine Mammal Center, is a world-renowned facility dedicated to ocean health through rescue, rehabilitation, research, and education. Located in Kailua-Kona, Ke Kai Ola focuses on the recovery and care of endangered Hawaiian monk seals.
Megan McGinnis, RVT, Director | mcginnism@tmmc.org

Ocean Defenders Alliance
Ocean Defenders Alliance (ODA) works to protect marine ecosystems by removing hazardous marine debris and educating the public. Collaborating with local communities, ODA targets man-made debris that poses serious threats to marine wildlife and habitats.
Marjorie Zensen | (410) 688-4310 | mjzengland@gmail.com

Mālama Kai Foundation
Since 1991, the Mālama Kai Foundation (MKF) has championed the health of Hawai‘i's coastal and marine ecosystems. MKF is best known for creating and maintaining the Day-Use Mooring Buoy (DMB) Program, which prevents anchor damage at popular dive and snorkel sites. MKF also supports education, youth scholarships, and grassroots partnerships to inspire ocean stewardship.
At World Manta Day, MKF will debut a new video on the DMB Program, showcasing Hawai‘i's model of community-led reef protection.
Victoria Martocci, DMB Program Director | moorings@malamakaifoundation.org
With Ross Bronzan (Filmmaker), Jeff & Teri Leicher (Founding Supporters)

Manta Pacific Research Foundation
The Manta Pacific Research Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2002 to promote research, education, and conservation of manta rays and their marine environment. Based in Kona, the foundation is a leader in manta ray science and sustainable marine tourism advocacy.
Morgan Eason - easonmorgan2020@gmail.com | (352) 222-0257
Keller Laros - keller@mantapacific.org | (808) 895-1791

Island CPR
Island CPR has delivered lifesaving medical training in Hawai‘i since 2008. Offering a range of classes—from CPR, First Aid, and Lifeguard Certification to CNA and Medical Assistant training—Island CPR is committed to building a safer, healthier community. Courses are offered at their Kona facility or on-location across the state.
Kara Osada-D'Avella | (808) 896-1889 | Kara@IslandCPR.com

Keiki Crafts - Jack's Diving Locker
For over 30 years, Jack's Diving Locker has run keiki marine education programs that foster a love of the ocean through fun, hands-on learning. Their Marine Life Ambassador and Junior Programs for ages 6-18 teach ocean stewardship while offering PADI certifications. Recognized with multiple awards, their programs help cultivate the next generation of ocean protectors.
Preslie Alonso & Brandi Hoffman