“When you’re a diver, you’re going to run across turtles with missing limbs,” Kim Porter shars bluntly. Though at first a bit shocking, Kim’s matter-of-fact statement reflects an unfortunate truth that too many divers know well: marine debris is not only unsightly, it’s incredibly dangerous to ocean animals and their environments.

693 species have been affected by marine debris so far – either through ingestion or entanglement – including all seven species of sea turtle. Kim Porter, an advanced and seasoned scuba professional, has witnessed more than her share of injured animals underwater. However, she doesn’t allow herself to become discouraged by these encounters. Rather, she uses her personal experience to fuel her ocean advocacy efforts.

Growing up in Texas near the Gulf of Mexico, Kim was always drawn to the sea. She spent many days throughout her youth sailing, acquainting herself with the open water and its intrigue. When an opportunity arose to move to Florida during adulthood, Kim jumped at the chance. It was here that she became scuba certified, and like so many others, her life was forever changed.

With a home near the coast, a local Florida beach had become Kim’s new backyard playground. She quickly logged more than 300 dives, and knew her local site like the back of her hand. With every dive, Kim accelerated and advanced her knowledge of the underwater world; simultaneously, her passion for marine protection steadily grew.

Today, Kim actively participates in Dive Against Debris to help keep her local dive sites free of marine debris and safe for ocean animals. She frequents piers and reefs, areas where marine life is often abundant, and where rubbish can easily become stuck and pose hazards to sea animals. To date, Kim has conducted 20 Dive Against Debris surveys, submitting crucial data on the types and quantities of trash found underwater and utilizing her professional photography skills to document discarded rubbish and entangled animals. Intelligent, passionate and committed to marine conservation, Kim Porter is an outstanding leader in the fight against debris. Thank you, Kim, for your Dive Against Debris efforts!

Join Kim in the fight against ocean trash. Dive Against Debris today.