Antigua & Barbuda Ocean Trust (ABOT)
Antigua & Barbuda Ocean Trust (ABOT)
The Antigua & Barbuda Ocean Trust is a volunteer-based, local nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation of the seas and shores of our twin islands. We were founded by people who live here, dive here and care deeply about what happens to the extraordinary marine environment that surrounds us.
We don't have government funding or a large institutional budget. Everything we do is made possible by the generosity of our donors and the dedication of our volunteers — local divers, coastal cleaners, educators and community advocates who give their time because they believe Antigua & Barbuda's ocean is worth fighting for.
We work collaboratively with existing marine conservation organizations, scientific bodies, dive operators and local businesses, striving to achieve our goals in the most effective and practical way possible. We manage our own independent programs while also partnering with others, because protecting an ocean takes a community.
To implement marine conservation projects and education in Antigua & Barbuda, by spearheading new initiatives to help protect the marine environment for future generations.
We envision Antigua & Barbuda with a thriving marine ecosystem and abundant marine life, free from ocean plastics and debris, and cared for by a local community of passionate caretakers.
"Together, let's forge a sustainable future — one where the marine wonders that captivate us today will continue to inspire awe for generations to come."
Everything ABOT does rests on three principles — direct action, education and community. We collaborate with dive operators, scientists, hotels, schools and government bodies, because protecting an ocean this rich requires relationships that go far beyond any single organization.
Our volunteer divers and coastal cleaners are in the water and on the beaches every month — removing debris, hunting lionfish, cleaning reefs and restoring coastlines. No outsourcing. We do the work ourselves.
We run public events, awareness campaigns, school visits and funded dive training — because lasting change only comes when people understand what's at stake. Education is central to everything we do.
Conservation only sticks when a community owns it. We build genuine local participation through our volunteer groups , Youth EcoDiver program , outreach work, and relationships with businesses across both islands.
United by a passion for the ocean — our directors bring experience from nonprofits, aviation, the military, business, finance, tourism and diving.
Julie founded Antigua & Barbuda Search and Rescue (ABSAR) in 1997 and led its hurricane relief distribution efforts in 2017, raising over US$500,000. Holding degrees in Aeronautical Science and Marine Science, she leads many of ABOT's core initiatives.
Tim served with the Queen's Dragoon Guards before spending 25 years in international banking. He then founded The Country Food Trust, distributing 2.5 million meals to those in food poverty — work for which he received an MBE in 2022. He and his wife Hazel volunteer on marine conservation projects across the Caribbean.
Born on the Nature Isle of Dominica, Eloise co-owns Anchor Concierge and Super Yacht Services — one of Antigua's leading yacht concierge agencies. She actively supports marine and ecological conservation projects across the Caribbean.
Louis studied Marine Biology and Oceanography at the University of Plymouth and is a qualified PADI Instructor who has dived professionally across multiple countries. Today he co-owns and manages DiveCarib in Antigua, and supports the National Parks Authority, AnuBlue and ABSAR alongside his work with ABOT.
Blake co-founded Scott Dunn World and spent 25 years building it into the UK's leading luxury travel brand before selling in 2014. He continues as a non-executive director at F&P Travel and director of Salamander Voyages, focused on making the travel industry a force for protecting the natural environments it depends on.
Jane helps look after ABOT's finances and accounting, ensuring the trust's funds are managed with care and transparency.
ABOT depends on the skills and generosity of a wider team who give their time to keep everything running.
Karen leads ABOT's digital presence, overseeing the website, newsletters, print design and visual communications to ensure the Trust's work reaches supporters around the world.
Hazel supports ABOT's financial administration alongside Jane, bringing careful stewardship to the trust's bookkeeping and accounts.
Whether you're a diver, a beach cleaner or simply someone who cares — we'd love to hear from you.
Every donation, volunteer hour and word of support helps protect Antigua & Barbuda's marine environment.