About Us
Rene Umberger: Rene Umberger is the founder of For the Fishes and has been Executive Director of the organization since 2015. A SCUBA instructor, Umberger understands intimately the risks to wildlife and coral habitats, having made over 10,000 dives throughout the Indo-Pacific. She dedicated her life to the protection of the marine life that inhabits coral reefs the moment she learned that they were being ripped from their coral reef homes in massive numbers every year for sale in the global aquarium pet trade. She and her organization’s efforts have led to the protection of millions of Hawaii’s coral reef animals, which is reflected in their increasing abundance and biodiversity since 2017.
For The Fishes board members:
Laura K. Legge: Laura is a retired entertainment industry attorney origi
nally from California, now residing on Maui. With over 50 years of connection to Hawaiʻi, as a young girl, Laura fell in love with the islands’ breathtaking marine life and has since become a certified PADI Dive Master. She spends much of her time exploring and preserving the vibrant underwater ecosystems of Maui Nui through diving and snorkeling. In addition to her personal adventures, Laura works part-time at a local dive shop, staying immersed in the dive and snorkel community while supporting her passion. Deeply committed to the preservation of Hawaiʻi’s reef health and cultural heritage, Laura actively engages in initiatives to protect and celebrate the natural and cultural treasures of the islands.
Dr. Brooke Porter: Dr. Porter is a consultant to research entities with specific emphasis on marine conservation and development projects in under-developed countries. She serves as a Scientific Advisor for Coral Triangle Conservancy in the Philippines and has experience as a peer reviewer for multiple professional journals. Her research interests bring crucial expertise and knowledge to For The Fishes. They include the human dimensions of the marine environment, emphasizing coastal and marine tourism, and work with international marine conservation collaborations, aide agencies and educational institutions.
Amy Venema: Hailing originally from Rockford Illinois, Amy’s passion for the ocean led her to Maui, Hawaii, some 32 years ago after completing her Bachelors of Science degree in education. Amy moved to Hawaii and began her career as a naturalist, boat captain and researcher. After gaining skills and expertise and refining her innate inner sense when working around humpback whales, Amy became the co-founder and co-Investigator for the Keiki Kohola Project, a non-profit research group dedicated to the protection of humpback whales in Hawaiian waters. Amy also works as an expedition guide and naturalist on passenger ships exploring Alaska, Antarctica, and throughout the Indo-Pacific. She prefers to be in a kayak, small tender, on a trail or on the deck of boat, and embraces every opportunity to share her enthusiasm for Earth’s wild places.
Dr Lynn Allen, ex officio: Dr. Allen has been passionate about the ocean for more than 60 years. She moved to Hawaii from California in 1995, became a SCUBA instructor and underwater photographer. She has made over 3,000 dives photographing wildlife on coral reefs throughout the Indo-Pacific. She earned a PhD in tumor cell biology from the University of Southern California before working in the biomedical field. Her expertise in academic medical research and development, knowledge of cellular biology and dive experience are key components of For The Fishes’s growth and success in such a short time.
Mark Schacht, ex officio: Mr. Schacht is a dive master and accomplished underwater videographer. In 2015, he developed a video survey that documented the unprecedented coral bleaching that occurred in Hawaii’s reefs that year. He brings legislative savvy to the For The Fishes Board through his position as the Deputy Director and Legislative Director of the California Rural Legal Assistance Foundation.
Linda Wright, ex officio: Ms. Wright divides her time between New Zealand and San Francisco. In New Zealand, she is semi-retired and building a home. In San Francisco, she runs a business restoring antique furniture. Her superb planning skills and keen attention to detail, provides a critical contribution to all that For The Fishes accomplishes.
