About Alliance for a Living Ocean

We engage a community of ocean allies to safeguard our shores for future generations.

Alliance for a Living Ocean (ALO) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit environmental organization based on Long Beach Island, New Jersey. We work to protect our ocean, bays, and coastal ecosystems through environmental education, community action, and advocacy.

We believe every step toward reducing plastic pollution and protecting our coastal environment matters. By bringing people together to learn, take action, and care for our shores, we help build a healthier coast for generations to come.

Our Priorities

Reducing Marine Debris

We work to prevent plastic pollution and marine debris through community cleanups, education, and advocacy for policies that protect our waterways and coastlines. We empower individuals to make everyday choices that reduce waste and keep our shores clean.

Environmental Education

We connect people of all ages with the natural world through free educational programs, hands-on experiences, and practical resources. By helping our community understand the challenges facing our ocean, we inspire people to become lifelong stewards of the coast.

Protecting Coastal Ecosystems

We bring our community together to care for the beaches, bays, and habitats that make our coast unique. Through beach cleanups, dune grass planting, educational programs, and other volunteer opportunities throughout the year, we make it possible for everyone to play a role in protecting our coastal environment.

Our History

ALO was founded in 1987 in response to the Syringe Tide, when medical waste and other debris washed ashore along the East Coast.

In response, local residents Ken Smith, Karen Kiss, and John Woodland organized Hands Across the Beach, a peaceful demonstration that brought more than 40,000 people together along Long Beach Island’s 18-mile coastline to call attention to ocean pollution.

That community action led to the formation of Alliance for a Living Ocean later that year. Since then, ALO has continued to bring people together to protect our shores through education, volunteerism, and environmental advocacy.

Our Impact

We believe lasting change starts with a community that cares. ALO creates opportunities for people of all ages to make a difference through year round volunteer opportunities, community initiatives, and environmental education.

Through free educational programs, we help the next generation connect with local marine life and understand their role in protecting our coastal environment. Through outreach and advocacy, we support efforts to reduce plastic pollution and encourage policies that protect our natural resources.

Our work extends beyond the ocean to the entire coastal watershed, including Barnegat Bay, our local bays, rivers, and surrounding waterways. By bringing people together to care for these connected ecosystems, we work toward a healthier coast for future generations.

Meet the people who help guide our work and safeguard our shores for future generations.

  • Nick Delfico

    Executive Director

  • Casey Deacon

    President

  • Mary Thompson

    Chair of Development Committee

  • Dustinne Lau

    Development Committee & Chair of Communications Committee

  • Juliet Kaszas-Hoch

    Communications & Education Committee

  • Rachel Meihack

    Communications Committee & Development Committee

  • Dr. Amy Williams

    Education Committee

  • James Savianeso

    Development Committee & Co-chair of Nominating Committee

  • Dr. Christopher Wright

    Communications & Longboard Classic Committee\

  • Niko Diamantopoulos

    Niko Diamantopoulos

    Treasurer & Chair of Finance Committee

  • Isabelle Zoccolo

    Chair of Education Committee & Co-chair of Nominating Committee

  • Nicole Elfstrom

Be Part of the ALO Community

Protecting our shores takes all of us. Whether you want to stay informed, volunteer your time, or help fund our programs, there are many ways to get involved.

Stay Connected

Sign up for our email list to receive ALO news, educational resources, upcoming events, and ways to take action.

Join Our Email List

Support Our Mission

Your donation helps ALO continue its environmental education, advocacy, and community programs.

Donate

Give Your Time

Join our volunteer list to hear about beach cleanups, community events, and other opportunities to help protect our coast.

Become a Volunteer