My Clean Ocean

My Clean Ocean combines visual storytelling, community-driven research, and habitat defense to preserve Southern California's marine ecosystems, while creating ocean-industry pathways for underserved youth. Participation is free to every young person we serve, and 100% of net donations fund youth programs.

My Clean Ocean is a Newport Beach, California 501(c)(3) ocean conservation nonprofit. We put underserved Southern California youth in the water: learning to dive, operating professional underwater cameras, documenting marine life, and out-planting kelp alongside working ocean professionals.

Four programs carry the mission:

• Citizen Science: community marine research from the shoreline, using professional tools.
• Blue Lens: underwater cinematography and visual storytelling that document ocean challenges and beauty.
• Guardians of the Kelp: youth-led kelp forest restoration, out-planting, monitoring and documentation.
• Ocean Expeditions: direct water access and expeditions for youth from underserved communities.

We don't run field trips. We fund real expeditions, real training, and real mentorship. Volunteers with diving, safety, education, or video skills are welcome, and schools can bring a group. The ocean belongs to everyone, and so should the chance to protect it and build a career in it.