We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Lisa Miceli-Capano. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Lisa below.
Hi Lisa, thanks for joining us today. What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?
My name is Lisa Miceli-Capano, Owner of Stoked On Salt Ocean Conservation Gear, Ocean Conservation Artist & founder of SOS Ocean Clean Up and the annual SOS Ocean Conservation Day event.
Growing up, my family gave me the nickname “GOLDFISH” because they could never get me out of the water. I was raised in sunny Fort Lauderdale since 3 months old and having the beach as my ‘backyard’ only continued to nurture my love for all things ocean-related. I grew up in a family of artists and instinctively knew that I wanted to use my creativity to inspire people to care about marine life and the seas.
I earned a stakeholder seat in the Southeast Florida Coral Reef Initiative (SEFCRI) where I regularly interact with academia, non-governmental organizations, fishing, diving, and private businesses as well as county, state and federal authorities including the DEP, NOAA and FWC.
In 2017, I was recognized for my “Significant Contributions” by the United States Coral Reef Task Force – NOAA – and for the creativity and leadership in minimizing marine debris in Southeast Florida oceans.
In May of 2018, I was recognized for as as the 2018 Synergy Summit for Cultural & Heritage Tourism as “Best Local Artist”.
In October 2019, Stoked On Salt was a finalist in the Annual Go Blue Awards in two categories: Blue Business of the Year Award and the Blue Ambassador of the Year Award.
Growing up in Florida, unfortunately I have had the opportunity to witness our living coral reefs slowly disappear due to debris, anchor damage and other environmental factors. Since that was completely unacceptable to me, in May of 2013, I created “Stoked On Salt”- a dive apparel company and a volunteer cleanup group called “SOS Ocean Clean-Up.
SOS OCEAN CLEAN UP:
I created this organization because of my intense desire to protect our local treasures, the beautiful beaches and coral reef. To my great satisfaction, the volunteer group consists of over 3.4K followers and hundreds of TEAM SOS volunteers ages 4 to 87 years old. They have held over 100 reef and shoreline cleanup events while removing thousands of pounds of debris.
Since SOS Ocean Clean Up is not a non-profit organization, we rely on a small portion of our SOS proceeds to produce these free events. We are so thankful for the community because most of our cleanup donations, supplies, permits, advertising, snacks, give-aways are either donated by local businesses, ocean conservation groups, families, schools… basically the community.
But, the trash we collect doesn’t just end up in the dumpster….
SOS DEBRIS ART:
As an Ocean Conservation Artist, I personally take ocean debris and transform it into stunning pieces of art with each piece telling a story of both creativity and environmental responsibility.
SOS Debris Art Murals are created without using paint brushes, but by using debris items previously found at the ‘SOS Ocean Clean Up’ events. By using these items, we hope to help bring awareness to the types of debris that are being left behind on the shoreline and into the ocean which can destroy marine, and ultimately, human life.
SOS OCEAN CONSERVATION DAY:
The Dive community gave me the nickname, “Ocean Warrior.” I have a long history since childhood for caring about the ocean and environment and as I matured I continue that advocacy wherever I saw the opportunity. During those years, I was fortunate to meet others like myself and partner with them to make more of an impact on the community and the focus necessary to bring thousands of people on board to be my “Warrior Family.”
Many people are not aware of the ocean’s influence on us and our influence on the ocean and I wanted to do something that was inspiring for a younger generation because they’re the ones in line to inherit all these issues. In 2017, I created the SOS Ocean Conservation Day free family event.
Now in our 23rd year, this one-day event is not only fun but an educational program for the entire family. Six years ago, we joined forces with the Winterfest Family Fun Day.
Within the SOS Ocean Conservation Day Village area, ocean conservation groups will engage in outreach with the general public about issues that could be addressed on a local level: corals – manatees – ocean debris – sharks – sea turtles – manta rays – lionfish – water quality – wildlife rescue –
mangroves – fishing regulations – lobstering – ocean safety and more.
Last year, we had a record turnout of over 5,000 attendees for the event!
It’s a fun way to contribute to the preservation of our beautiful ocean, beaches and coral reefs that identify the special place where we live.
The 27th annual Winterfest’s Family Fun Day in cooperation with the 6th annual SOS Ocean Conservation Day Village is set for Sunday, November 23, 2025 at Esplanade Park in Fort Lauderdale.
This event offers many FREE activities for kids of all ages – and parents, too! This holiday event features giant slides such as Polar Express Slide, Catabella Express Train, and other activities.
Our Family Fun Day is in the heart of downtown Fort Lauderdale in front of the Museum of Discovery and Science and it is packed with exciting family activities.
MISSION:
Through every sale and event, the SOS Mission works towards a clean ocean planet.
Together, we can change and work towards a clean, healthy ocean planet.”
Lisa, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I feel that what sets me apart from others is that I do not expect anything in return.
My compassion for the ocean and sea life has been my passion since childhood.
I am constantly asked… “Why do you do so much for others… — “How can you survive with not charging vendors at your events… – “Why do you clean the beaches instead of diving on the weekend….”
I always have the same reply, “Do you enjoy the beach, the ocean, attending free, fun family events while learning about marine life?
…. yes?
Well then, payment received.
Thank You.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/mississauga-man-reunited-with-wedding-ring-lost-in-atlantic-ocean/article_063f820d-a908-521e-bd49-5398b7c7789c.html
This is one of my favorite moments.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
During the onset of Covid, many small businesses like mine were struggling to stay open. During that time, I would brainstorm on new ventures and ideas to keep Stoked On Salt alive.
I began collecting recycled wood around town at construction sites to create unique art and eco-crafts that could be shipped, since social distancing was in effect.
Growing up as an artist made my new hobby very enjoyable as the wood crafts became a big hit!
My intentions were by using recycled wood, it would only help the environment by keeping these items off the landfall.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.StokedOnSalt.com
- Instagram: Stoked_On_Salt
- Facebook: Stoked On Salt, SOS Ocean Clean Up, SOS Debris Art, SOS Ocean Conservation Day
- Twitter: Stoked On Salt
Image Credits
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