COASTAL DEFENDERS PROJECTS
COASTAL RESILIENCY
INDIGENOUS MARICULTURE + FOOD SOVEREIGNTY
INDIGENOUS MARICULTURE + FOOD SOVEREIGNTY
The ability of our shorelines to withstand the affects of climate change relies on the inclusivity of diverse perspectives and centering of community voices.
INDIGENOUS MARICULTURE + FOOD SOVEREIGNTY
INDIGENOUS MARICULTURE + FOOD SOVEREIGNTY
INDIGENOUS MARICULTURE + FOOD SOVEREIGNTY
Returning to our traditional clam gardens, oyster reefs + supporting abalone, kelp + seagrass restoration are some of the ways we're helping to heal our planet.
ECO-ART COLLABORATIVE
INDIGENOUS MARICULTURE + FOOD SOVEREIGNTY
ECO-ART COLLABORATIVE
Help us put the 'A' in STEAM!
We're utilizing traditional artistic practices to raise awareness + develop innovative, creative solutions to the plastic and marine debris epidemic while providing income + scholarship opportunities for local system-impacted youth + their families.
INDIGENOUS LEADERSHIP YOUTH + Young adults (ILY)
Our Story
Our Vision
Our Vision
In 2020 our local Indigenous youth were experiencing many affects of the pandemic. Through the guidance of Youth Advisors Mr. Blaine Mazzetti (Payómkawichum) and Ms. Shandiin Armao (Diné) we developed an equitable pathway to re-connect Indigenous youth with the medicine of their land + water guardianship birthrights.
Our Vision
Our Vision
Our Vision
We're partnering with Scripps Institution of Oceanography on Kumeyaay Land to advocate for equal (or greater) valuation of knowledge systems, defer funding to Indigenous nations, increase cultural competency in academic science, uplift BIPOC students, staff and faculty and provide resources to minimize extractive practices and create safe
We're partnering with Scripps Institution of Oceanography on Kumeyaay Land to advocate for equal (or greater) valuation of knowledge systems, defer funding to Indigenous nations, increase cultural competency in academic science, uplift BIPOC students, staff and faculty and provide resources to minimize extractive practices and create safer spaces for Indigenous scientific research through adherence to Indigenous data sovereignty principles.
Learn more about our partnership with the Jen Smith Lab here: https://caseagrant.ucsd.edu/our-work/research-projects/thermal-tolerance-population-variability-and-experimental-restoration
COASTAL DEFENDERS PATHWAY ~ BIPOC AQUATIC initiative
Our Why
Our Vision
Our Vision
Water is life.
Water is medicine.
Water safety allows for connection to our ancestors and healing. Coastal Defenders is committed to honoring the restorative affects of water and advocacy for the accessibility of clean, safe swimming facilities + bodies of water to learn the fundamentals of aquatics.
Our Vision
Our Vision
Our Vision
In partnership with the Villanova University Black Alumni (VUBA) we have created the VUBA 'Black Swim Initiative' where we teach about the profound African aquatic legacy and ensure the next generation of swimmers, lifeguards, water-safety instructors and divers are provided with resources and equitable pathways in marine science.
We are
In partnership with the Villanova University Black Alumni (VUBA) we have created the VUBA 'Black Swim Initiative' where we teach about the profound African aquatic legacy and ensure the next generation of swimmers, lifeguards, water-safety instructors and divers are provided with resources and equitable pathways in marine science.
We are grateful to have provided in water safety support to UCSD's 'Black Surf Week' since 2018.
2025 us is venturing into SCUBA!