Kathy O'Hara

I am a marine biologist. Graduated undergrad from Duke University and Master of Science in Marine Biology from College of Charleston. Worked for 15 years for non profit Ocean Conservancy (formerly Center for Marine Conservation) where I served as Director of Pollution Prevention and Citizen Outreach Programs worldwide. Worked with international and national government agencies and the ID Navy, private industry and ngo's to address the problems caused by plastic debris in the marine environment. I am founder of the International Coastal Cleanup, the one day event where 'citizen scientists' remove and record manmade debris found on the world's beaches. Also co-founded the Chesapeake's Clean the Bay Day. Presently contractual work with the Virginia Aquarium's Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Stranding Program and NOAA's Coastal Zone Management Program. (Also just spearheaded an all-women dive team participation in the Great Annual Fish Count--the first effort in the mid-Atlantic states to identify and count fish as part of REEF (the story will be in The Virginia Pilot's Beacon this Sunday!!!) We have 2 children, a golden retriever and cat whom all enjoy boating weekend escapes on Virginia's eastern shore. My wonderful husband Tom is a dentist.