Meet our Team
Get to know the amazing people who make up the heart and soul of our community-based NGO focused on protecting the ocean and cleaning up beaches in Gran Canaria. Our team is made up of passionate volunteers from different age groups, coming together with a common love for the environment and a strong determination to preserve our oceans. Discover more about the individuals who drive our mission forward and lead our united efforts in creating cleaner and safer oceans.
Founder & Executive Director
Julie Dass
Moved to Gran Canaria from the UK in 2016 with her husband Dean and daughter Jessica. Her love for people and cultures, fueled by her backpacking years, helped her quickly adapt. She co-founded Oceans4Life with her son Nathan and now oversees operations, all while managing 3 UK sports injury clinics as a full-time therapist.
When she’s not working, you’ll find her scuba diving, by the sea, or in gym classes, living by her motto: "Life’s too short, fill it with fun, laughter, and adventure!"
EU Projects Officer
Nell Jackson
Experience in EU funding frameworks, project design, reporting, compliance, and transnational coordination.
Permit Officer
Faus (Canarian)
Expertise in regulatory compliance and coordination with local authorities for environmental and outdoor educational activities.
Youth Ambassador
Nathan Dass
From an early age, Nathan showed a strong interest in protecting the environment. He co-founded the Oceans4Life association when he was just 13. He gave the association its name and created the logo.
His role with Oceans4Life has led him to make a number of presentations to schools, colleges and the University of Las Palmas as part of educational programs, as well as helping to organize and promote beach clean-up events across the Canary Islands. He is now studying sustainable development in the UK.
Event Organiser
Jessica Dass
Jessica Dass was the key photographer at all of the beach cleaning events. Her major contribution was at the Guiness World Record event where she took the individual photos of all of the 67 different nationalities. Jessica assists with the digital marketing and developing of the education presentations.
Head of marketing
Annelies Dos Remedios
Moved to Gran Canaria in 1997, where she fell for the island’s culture, community, and ocean, co-founding Davy Jones Locker dive school. With 20+ years in marketing, she now leads Oceans4Life’s communications, blending strategy and passion to drive ocean conservation. Even her Labrador, Laika, pitches in, collecting litter (for treats!).
Community manager
Sofia Clavel
Paris-born Sofia swapped a master’s in communication for the ocean after falling in love with it in New Zealand and the Azores. From boat trips to dives, her passion grew, leading her to Open Water and Advanced Diver certifications. Though now based in Chamonix (where she trades waves for mountains), she still chases the sea every chance she gets.
Today, she runs social media for Oceans4Life, using her skills to fight for marine conservation. For her, the ocean isn’t just a passion, it’s a world worth protecting.
Marketing Intern
Leonie Kern
Develops newsletters to share ocean conservation updates and builds an interactive map to showcase global projects and partners. Her work makes marine protection engaging and accessible.
Photographer & videographer
Jamie Briscoe
coming soon
Marketing Officer & Fundraiser Administrator
Erasmus student
Community outreach, partnership building, and sustainability planning.
Secretary & Gestoria
Laura
Administrator – Governance, documentation, financial administration, and organisational compliance.
Merchandise
Andrea Hyde & Deborah Wilbraham
coming soon
Education Team South
Lyn & Ian Clarke
Coming soon
Education Team North
Marie Carman
Coming soon
Education Team North
Steffi Ulmer
Dreamed of ocean-side living since childhood, so in 2012, she left Germany for Gran Canaria’s tourism scene. Hooked on surfing and diving, she championed eco-conscious beach habits. At Oceans4Life, she turns small steps into big impact, fueled by teamwork and shared passion for protecting nature. "Every change starts with one action.
Education Team South
Trash trackers
A diverse team of students, professionals, retirees, and corporate groups, anyone passionate about preserving Gran Canaria’s shores. Join solo or with friends/family to make a tangible difference while enjoying the island’s natural beauty.
Our Mission: Protecting Gran Canaria’s stunning beaches through community action and science. Since September 2023, our Trash Trackers program unites locals, volunteers, and ocean lovers to clean coastlines weekly and log waste data via the National Geographic Marine Debris App. This data helps scientists track pollution and drive change.
Partnership
