Friends of the Ocean Alliance | Ocean Environmental Preservation and Protection

Friends of the Ocean is a global alliance of environmental, science, educational and media organizations with the single common goal of reaching the world masses with accurate and honest, no-hype information concerning the state of the oceans and its' marine inhabitants.

Friends of the Ocean is also the facilitator of an annual gathering, the
"State of the Oceans" summit, whereby organizations from around the world participate in panel discussions, present environmental white papers and network among the participants.

For information concerning how your organization can participate contact:
Alliance@FriendsOfTheOcean.com

| ALLIANCE PARTICIPANTS |

	The OCEAN REALM SOCIETY is an international group of like-minded people who *"Respect and Protect"* while enjoying adventure activities in and around the ocean. Ocean Realm Society's environmental focus, in addition to the education of children about the importance of healthy plankton - thus healthy oceans -is spearheading the termination of online trading of shark parts. Richard H. Stewart, Executive Director. OceanRealmSociety.com.
	REEF PROTECTION INTERNATIONAL educates the public about the marine aquarium trade and promotes consumer behavior that enhances coral reef conservation. Drew Weiner, Executive Director. ReefProtect.org.
	The ROB PALMER BLUE HOLES FOUNDATION is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the preservation, conser-vation and education of the populous on how important these unique environments are. Scientific and exploratory work within these water-filled caves is crucial to a better understanding of ground water systems of the world. Dr. Stephanie Schwabe, Executive Director. BlueHoles.org.
	The SHARK RESEARCH INSTITUTE is an international multidisciplinary scientific research/conservation organization that encourages sport diver participation in field studies of sharks, particularly whale sharks. A primary goal is creating value for sharks as sustainable resources for the dive tourism industry, particularly in developing countries. Marie Lavine, Executive Director. Sharks.org.
	The MANTA NETWORK was organized to protect the ecological wealth of the planet by advancing our knowledge of Manta birostris via population studies, environmental education, environ-mental assessment studies and public awareness initiatives. Robert Aston, Executive Director. Mantas.org.
	The ALGALITA MARINE RESEARCH FOUNDATION is a non-profit environmental organization dedicated to the preservation of the marine environment. Alguita, AMRF, is actively engaged in innovative research, education and restoration of the marine environment. Nikhil Dave, President. Algalita.org.
	SHARK LIFE is a registered non-profit organisation based in South Africa. It's founding members are dedicated individ-uals who have invested their personal time and funds with a vision of preserving the oceans apex predators and ultimately the health of our oceans. Grant Smith, Founding Member. SharkLife.co.za.
	REEF CHECK is an international program that works with communities, governments and businesses to scientifically monitor, restore and maintain coral reef health. Reef Check objectives are to: educate the public about the coral reef crisis; to create a global network of volunteer teams trained in Reef Check’s scientific methods who regularly monitor and report on reef health; to facilitate collaboration that produces ecologically sound and economically sustainable solutions; and to stimulate local community action to protect remaining pristine reefs and rehabilitate damaged reefs worldwide. ReefCheck.org.
	OCEAN DEFENDERS ALLIANCE is a non-profit, grassroots marine conservation organization based in Orange County, California. ODA strives to make our coastal waters safer for ocean wildlife by removing dangerous man-made objects from the sea floor, especially abandoned commercial fishing gear that poses a threat to marine mammals, fish, invertebrates and reef systems. ODA carefully liberates marine animals helplessly trapped in derelict gear that needlessly continues to capture and kill. Kurt Lieber, Founder & President. OceanDefender.org.
	The ATLANTIS REEF SOCIETY is a private 501(C)(3), non-profit membership driven organization responsible for the preservation and management of The Atlantis Memorial Reef site. The Society will take on a very active conservation and educational agenda in the development and preservation of the reef ecosystem. The Society will liaison with educational institutions, marine organizations and agencies that will conduct programs, studies and research in the areas concerning the preservation, protection and growth of the coral reef ecosystem and general marine ecology. AtlantisReefSociety.com.
	INTERNATIONAL DOLPHIN WATCH was founded in 1978 in England. It is a non-profit organisation for the study and conservation of dolphins. To protect the dolphins and secure clean seas and rivers in which all dolphins can roam in freedom and safety. To study and expand the human-dolphin relationship for the benefit of both humans and dolphins. Dr Horace Dobbs, founder. idw.org.
	SOS SEA TURTLES was founded some twenty years ago by a small group of photographers and journalists. All of us were very concerned and angry about how these animals are treated all over the world. Using our connections to the press and other media we initiated a public information campaign about the turtles by publishing articles world-wide. This created a increased awareness in the millions of people who have seen the horrible pictures and read all the facts about treatment of sea turtles. Kurt Amsler, SOS Sea Turtles.

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FRIENDS OF THE OCEAN site is provided by the Ocean Realm Society.
Richard H. Stewart, Executive Director