Conservation and Scuba Diving

One of the rare opportunities to engage directly with marine creatures and gain a deeper understanding of our ocean is scuba diving. When carried out properly, it can support the objectives of marine conservation and a long-term Blue Economy. Divers can contribute by selecting dive sites and operators that follow sustainable tourism practices and by giving to or volunteering for marine conservation organisations. Additionally, they can impart to others the value of conservation.

Select a Dive Location

The secret to preserving our oceans is to practise conservation locally. For this reason, Project AWARE extends an invitation to dive shops, resorts, and instructors to adopt their own underwater playgrounds and join the global fight to combat marine litter. Divers can reduce their environmental impact on marine habitats by exercising buoyancy control, optimising air management, and simplifying equipment. By not touching, feeding, or upsetting marine life, they may also make sure that their encounters with them are civil and safe. Scuba diving centres can also use video and photo monitoring to compare the condition of the reef over time, which allows them to check their sites twice a year. In order to help with the yearly sea turtle census, they can also report sea turtle sightings. The cumulative effect of all these little deeds is a potent catalyst for ocean conservation. One committed individual at a time is the way that genuine change is achieved. Furthermore, scuba divers possess the special knowledge and expertise needed to spearhead this movement.

Participate in Project AWARE

Become a part of the worldwide community of scuba divers who are all passionate about exploring the ocean and protecting marine life. One dive at a time, Project AWARE brings together and equips thousands of divers to work together for a planet with clean, abundant, and healthy oceans. There is a Project AWARE course for everyone, regardless of their interest in learning more about sharks, marine trash, or the reasons behind the protection of coral reef ecosystems. The self-study component of this course can be finished with PADI eLearning, or you can attend workshops at your neighbourhood dive shop where you can work with a PADI Professional. You'll go over the 10 Tips to Save the Ocean and talk about what you can do to help during these seminars. For any water enthusiast who wishes to learn more about the problems affecting our aquatic world and what they can do to change them, this non-diving PADI Speciality is perfect. You will receive the Project AWARE Speciality certification upon completion.

Discover How to Dive Into Conservation

Scuba divers frequently develop into ardent supporters of marine conservation, telling people about their experiences and spreading awareness of the vulnerability of ocean ecosystems. They can motivate individuals to take action to safeguard marine life and its ecosystems by using storytelling, photography, and films. A profound understanding of the intricacy and beauty of marine ecosystems can be fostered by sailing over a coral reef or coming across a sea turtle. From this angle, it's critical to acknowledge how human activity endangers endangered species. For instance, detrimental fishing methods degrade marine ecosystems, and overfishing contributes to the extinction of species. By taking part in coordinated cleanup efforts, divers can help to preserve marine life and environments. Additionally, be selective while selecting your dive spots and diving centres. Verify that they follow ethical business practices with regard to the environment and society. These should include conserving water, using less energy, disposing of garbage properly, and respecting local customs and laws. Additionally, you may contribute by limiting your intake of seafood, avoiding marine waste, and applying sunscreen that is safe for reefs.

Give

There are numerous ways for scuba divers to help marine conservation initiatives. Invest in a lifetime of 100% recyclable plastic cards or choose to reduce your effect with a digital PADI eCard! With each dive training they offer, our very own Jacks Diving Lounge, a 100% AWARE Partner, supports ocean protection. They also take part in the "Adopt a Dive Site" initiative. To promote local action for global ocean conservation, the AWARE Foundation brings together activists for the ocean. One of the world's most successful communities for ocean transformation is theirs, the Ocean Torchbearers. An inventive and dynamic charity, Bite-Back Shark & Marine Conservation, works to prevent the sale of shark fin soup in Britain while also protecting sharks and educating the public about their significance. The Marine Megafauna Foundation is a team of knowledgeable scientists and protectors of the biggest animals on the planet, including manta rays and whale sharks.