“When you’re a diver, you’re going to run across turtles with missing limbs,” Project AWARE volunteer Kim Porter says bluntly. Though at first a bit shocking, Porter’s statement reflects an unfortunate truth that many divers and underwater photographers know all too well: Marine debris is not only unsightly, but it’s also incredibly dangerous to ocean animals and their environments.

Six hundred and ninety-three species have been affected by marine debris — either through ingestion or entanglement — including all seven species of sea turtle. Porter, an advanced and seasoned scuba professional, has witnessed more than her share of injured animals underwater. However, she doesn’t allow herself to become discouraged by these encounters. Rather, she uses her personal experience and photography skills to fuel her ocean advocacy efforts.

Growing up in Texas near the Gulf of Mexico, Porter was always drawn to the sea. She spent many days throughout her youth sailing, acquainting herself with the open water and its intrigue. When an opportunity arose to move to Florida years later, she jumped at the chance. It was there that she became scuba certified and, like so many others, her life was forever changed.

With a home near the coast, Porter found a new backyard playground at a local Florida beach. She quickly logged more than 300 dives and learned her local site like the back of her hand. With every dive, Porter accelerated and advanced her knowledge of the underwater world; simultaneously, her passion for protecting marine life grew.

Today, Porter actively participates in Project AWARE’s Dive Against Debris program to help keep her local dive sites free of marine debris and safe for ocean animals. She frequents piers and reefs, areas where marine life is often abundant and where rubbish can easily become stuck and pose a hazard. To date, Porter has conducted 20 Dive Against Debris surveys, submitting crucial data on the types and quantities of trash found underwater, and utilizing her professional photography skills to document discarded rubbish and entangled animals. Intelligent, deeply passionate and committed to marine conservation, Porter is an outstanding leader in the fight against debris.

Interested in lending a hand? To learn more about Dive Against Debris, visit Project AWARE’s website.

Read more: The Best Places to Dive With Sea Turtles | Fun Facts About the Sea Turtle