Organization(s) name(s):
Los Angeles Underwater Explorers; Ghost Fishing
Organization(s) website(s):
Organization(s) twitter handle(s):
Organization(s) facebook handle(s):
Non-profit organization
For-profit organization
Government
Other (please specify below):
:
We are a group of specially trained volunteer scuba divers that are ridding our world's oceans of abandoned commercial fishing gear, AKA "ghost nets" (I am the coordinator for the United States, based out of Los Angeles).
:
At least once a month, we go to various shipwrecks and reefs that are covered in ghost nets, which will wreak havoc on fragile marine ecosystems for decades or even centuries if they are not removed. Los Angeles is FULL of people who scuba dive, surf, swim, snorkel, kayak, windsurf, etc.- we live near the ocean because we LOVE her! We also do a lot of outreach for adults and kids of all ages: lectures, presentations, tabling events to let everyone know what is happening in the ocean.
Central LA
East LA
San Gabriel Valley
San Fernando Valley
South LA
Westside
South Bay
Antelope Valley
County of Los Angeles (countywide)
City of Los Angeles (citywide)
LAUSD
Other (please specify below):
(e.g. Third Street Middle School; Boyle Heights; LA County):
ANY school that will let us do a presentation, we will attend. For ocean cleanups: we are working mostly in the San Pedro Bay and off of Catalina.
Conduct research
Engage residents and stakeholders
Implement a pilot or new project
Expand a pilot or program
Mobilize for systems change
Advocate with policymakers and leaders
Implement and track policy
Other (please specify below):
:
We have already been in contact with lawmakers re: early reporting of lost nets. Legislation was introduced several years ago but was vetoed. We will try again, with a new Governor.
Access to open space and park facilities
Number of children enrolled in afterschool programs
Per capita crime rates
Percentage of residents that feel safe in their neighborhoods
Attendance at major league sporting events
Residents within 1⁄4 mile of a park (Dream Metric)
Number of residents with easy access to a “vibrant” park (Dream Metric)
Number of parks with intergenerational play opportunities (Dream Metric)
Number (and quality) of informal spaces for play (Dream Metric)
:
This is a project that is already underway, but we need funding in order to sustain it. People move to California to be near the ocean, this is a precious resource that affects many lives. Abandoned commercial fishing nets pose multiple threats- not only to the underwater world, but for the people enjoying the ocean. Abandoned nets create navigational hazards to boaters, they damage fish stocks, they cause death and destruction which directly impacts the enjoyment of scuba divers and other people who come to the ocean to play.
:
We have been keeping track of every single cleanup and every single outreach event, to approximate our impact on the community and of course on the ocean. I have an ongoing spread sheet on my computer that I keep "public," it is available to anyone who wishes to see it. Regarding the ocean, it is fascinating to see the transformation of a killing field to a healthy, vibrant reef once the ghost nets are removed. Documenting every single cleanup dive with video and/or still photography is another way that we keep track of our progress and evaluate our impact.
Money (financial capital)
Volunteers/staff (human capital)
Publicity/awareness (social capital)
Infrastructure (building/space/vehicles, etc.)
Education/training
Technical infrastructure (computers, etc.)
Community outreach
Network/relationship support
Quality improvement research
Other (please specify below):
Submission Began
Tuesday, September 08, 2015
Submission Ended
Tuesday, October 06, 2015
at 07:00 PM UTC
Voting Began
Tuesday, October 20, 2015
Voting Ended
Tuesday, November 03, 2015
at 08:00 PM UTC
Winner Announced
Tuesday, December 08, 2015
Most worthy cause to vote for
The problem with ghost gear is a worldwide problem. Teams all over the world are working voluntarily to remove as much derelict gear as possible. This fund would be a tremendous help. Voting for this project means protecting the future.
This is an excellent opportunity to invest resources to keep our oceans healthy and a great educational opportunity.
Keep up the great work LAUE!! We are following all your achievements from Toronto!
I hope I did this right!! Voting for LAUE/Ghost Fishing.org!! Great organization!!
THANK YOU for your vote!
Many thanks, geoffw!
Absolutely- thank you Casr!
Thank you tdodson! :)
Thank you Kelly!
Awesomeness! Thank you! :)