It's a Fact Through the Ocean-Net non-profit environmental organization, Robert has been instrumental in lobbying both levels of government and has developed public awareness programs aimed at informing the public of issues such as illegal dumping of oil, garbage and toxins in the ocean.

The organization has been successful at spearheading approximately 450 volunteer shoreline clean-ups and several hundred harbour cleanups in Newfoundland. Robert has been instrumental in lobbying both levels of government and has developed public awareness programs aimed at informing the public of issues such as illegal dumping of oil, garbage and toxins in the ocean. One reference states, “Young people in this province have been empowered to become more environmentally conscious because of the work of Mr. O’Brien.”