Southern California
501(c)(3) Ocean Nonprofit
Reveal
the Deep.
Empower the Future.
We put world-class underwater cinematography into the hands of youth from underserved communities — turning the camera into a powerful tool for ocean conservation and personal transformation.
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Ocean Conservation·Youth Cinematography·Kelp Restoration·Citizen Science·Southern California·Marine Protection·Guardian of the Kelp·Blue Lens·Ocean Conservation·Youth Cinematography·Kelp Restoration·Citizen Science·Southern California·Marine Protection·Guardian of the Kelp·Blue Lens·
90%
Kelp Forests Lost
in CA Since 2014
in CA Since 2014
8M
Tons of Plastic
Enter Oceans Yearly
Enter Oceans Yearly
50%
Coral Reefs Lost
in Last 30 Years
in Last 30 Years
1°C
Ocean Temperature
Rise Since 1900
Rise Since 1900
What We Do
Our Programs
Three pathways. One mission. An ocean worth fighting for.
Program / 01
Citizen Science
Youth as ocean researchers — collecting real marine data along the Southern California coastline using professional Nikon Z9 cameras.
Explore Program
Program / 02
Blue Lens
Teaching underserved youth the art of professional underwater cinematography — the same craft used by filmmakers at National Geographic.
Explore Program
Program / 03
Guardian of the Kelp
Youth-led kelp forest restoration along the California coast — planting, monitoring, and documenting the recovery of vital marine ecosystems.
Explore Program
"The most effective way to protect our blue planet is to change how the next generation sees it."
Javier Mendoza
Underwater Cinematographer · Ocean Explorer · 70+ Countries
OCEAN
Our Mission
We Bridge the Gap
Between the Lens
and the Ocean
Between the Lens
and the Ocean
At My Clean Ocean, we believe that a young person who learns to see the ocean through a professional lens will fight to protect what they see. By combining world-class underwater cinematography with citizen science and direct habitat restoration, we build frontline advocates for our marine ecosystems — one expedition at a time.
Explore More
Dive Deeper
Meet the people, read the stories, and join the mission.
Our TeamWho We AreMeet the founders, scientists, and ocean advocates behind My Clean Ocean — and the story of how it all began.Meet the Team
Ocean StoriesOur BlogEssays, field notes, and dispatches from the deep — written by the people who go in the water.Read Stories
Support the MissionDonateEvery dollar funds a youth expedition, a water sample collected, and a future ocean advocate in the making.Give Now
Join the Movement
Protect
Our Blue
Planet
Our Blue
Planet
Every donation directly funds youth programs, ocean expeditions, and kelp forest restoration along the Southern California coast.