ISLAMORADA, FL | January 15, 2026 — Kramer Wimberley, Executive Director of Sea Scope Inc. and founder of the Diving With a Purpose Collective Approach to Restoring our Eco-Systems (DWP-CARES), has officially released the organization’s 2026 global citizen science and youth mission schedule.
The announcement follows Wimberley’s recent appearance on the Level Up podcast, where he highlighted the critical need for private funding and volunteer participation to sustain high-impact marine conservation.
“Our work throughout Florida and the Caribbean depends almost exclusively on the generosity of donors and the hands-on commitment of participants who join our missions,” said Wimberley. “These programs are more than dive trips; they are professional-grade scientific expeditions that empower a diverse generation of ocean advocates.”
2026 Expedition Schedule
DWP-CARES invites certified divers and ocean advocates to join the following 2026 missions:
- January 2026 | Portobelo, Panama: Ecosystem survey mission (Departing next week).
- February 2026 | Coiba, Panama: Advanced citizen science mission (First week of Feb).
- Spring 2026 | Islamorada, Florida: Annual “Trash Derby” in partnership with Key Dives, featuring debris removal and benthic surveys.
- May 31 – June 7, 2026 | Barbados: All-inclusive training and coral data collection mission.
- Summer 2026 | Portobelo, Panama: A groundbreaking 10-day dual-focus mission surveying shipwreck sites and collecting coral health data.
- July 10–17, 2026 | Honduras: 4th Annual Youth Training Program, focusing on professional stewardship.
- October 4–11, 2026 | Honduras: Final 2026 Adult Training Program and professional development.
How to Support the Mission
DWP-CARES is a BIPOC-led 501(c)(3) initiative. Supporters can “move the needle” in two ways:
- Participate: Join a 2026 mission to gain technical skills in coral out-planting and coral ecosystem monitoring.
- Donate: Contributions directly fund scholarships for “Opportunity Youth” to receive professional dive certifications and marine science training.
For mission registration or more information, contact: Kramer Wimberley Executive Director, Sea Scope / DWP-CARES kramer@divingwithapurpose.org
To support the youth mission via donation, please visit:
https://divingwithapurpose.org/cares SELECT CARES AND DONATE
Click the link below to register for our missions https://forms.gle/CxLh36c55pCgj7qg7
Link to Kramer’s interview on Level Up: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZkNOybmbHs
About DWP-CARES: Diving With a Purpose-CARES is dedicated to the conservation of coral reef ecosystems through citizen science, youth mentorship, and professional workforce development. By integrating scientific principles with hands-on restoration, CARES protects the “Blue Carbon” sinks essential to planetary health.