Dive into Conservation: Celebrating PADI AWARE Week 2023

From September 16th to 24th, the global diving community comes together to celebrate the 6th Annual PADI AWARE Week. This special week is dedicated to fostering environmental awareness and promoting sustainable practices in diving. In partnership with Blancpain, the founding partner of the PADI Blueprint for Ocean Action and the flagship Adopt the Blue™ MPA program, this year's AWARE Week promises to be an exciting opportunity for divers to make a difference.

As lovers of the ocean, it’s up to all of us to help preserve it, not just during PADI AWARE week, but every week! In this article, we explore various initiatives and opportunities for divers to engage in conservation activities, both locally and globally.

1. PADI AWARE Specialist Course

One of the highlights of AWARE Week is the introduction of the new PADI AWARE Specialist Course. This course offers a hands-on digital learning experience and workshops that teach the updated "10 Tips to Save the Ocean." By breaking down the barriers between diving and conservation, this course makes responsible marine conservation accessible to all. It can be taken virtually online or in person, and it even counts toward earning the prestigious Master Scuba Diver™ rating.

2. PADI Adopt the Blue™

PADI's Adopt the Blue program provides numerous ways for divers, operators, professionals, and ocean enthusiasts to actively engage in conservation efforts at both the local and global levels. Aligned with PADI's Blueprint For Ocean Action, this program focuses on vital conservation areas, including marine debris, vulnerable species protection, coral reef restoration, and climate change mitigation. The global network of PADI dive centers and professionals worldwide plays a crucial role in driving measurable conservation impact. Participants can:

• Engage in underwater citizen science

• Lobby and advocate with local governments

• Support in-country projects and campaigns

• Volunteer for conservation events

The ambitious goal is to establish 10,000 Adopt The Blue sites by 2025, working closely with local communities and PADI operators to accelerate conservation efforts and contribute to protecting 30% of the ocean by 2030.

3. Dive Against Debris®

Becoming a Dive Against Debris diver allows you to take direct action for the ocean at your favorite dive sites. By collecting survey data during dives, you contribute valuable information for marine researchers and policymakers working on conservation efforts. Any Junior Open Water Diver or higher can take the Dive Against Debris Specialty course, making it accessible to divers of various experience levels. Here's how you can get involved:

• Find your local PADI Dive Center for certification.

• Create a My Ocean profile to submit marine debris data.

• Download the Survey Toolkit for successful surveys.

• Search for Dive Against Debris surveys near you.

• Report your survey data, which contributes to global efforts to improve solid waste management policies.

4. Donate to Ocean Conservation Initiatives

Contributing to ocean conservation initiatives is another meaningful way to make an impact without even needing to leave your home. Consider donating to organizations like Saving the Blue, The Ocean Cleanup, Blue Marine Foundation, The Marine Mammal Center, Sea Life Trust, Coral Reef Alliance, or Oceana. Or choose to support grassroots initiatives in your local community that may not have as much recognition as some of the larger-scale organizations. Your support helps fund critical projects and research aimed at protecting marine ecosystems.

5. Get Involved Locally

Participating in beach and dive clean-ups is a practical and free way to make a difference in your local community. You can volunteer for clean-up events or simply carry a mesh bag on your dives to collect marine debris. Check with your local dive shop for upcoming conservation events, or consider starting one yourself. If you're looking to make a global impact, organizations like Sea Shepherd and Parley offer opportunities to get involved in various environmental campaigns.

6. Live by Example

Divers are the ambassadors for the underwater world, and it's essential to set a positive example. Promote eco-conscious practices by behaving responsibly in the water, and encouraging fellow divers to do the same. Never touch or chase marine life, and avoid stepping on coral or sand. Stirring up sand can spread disease on reefs and cause damage to the fragile ecosystems. Don’t feed the fish, and never take any marine life out of the water (that includes shells). Wear reef-safe sunscreen, reduce plastic usage, and support dive operators who care about the ocean as much as you do!

7. Support Brands That Give Back

When purchasing diving gear, choose brands that prioritize environmental responsibility. At Proshot and Tidal Sports, we donate a portion of our product sales to organizations like The Ocean Cleanup, Saving the Blue, and Run4Sharks. NUDI WEAR offers dive gear like mask straps and dry bags, along with useful items like towels, sun shirts, and shorts using recycled materials. 10% of the company’s profits are donated to conversation initiatives, including 5% to Coral Reef Alliance. They are also members of the Adopt the Blue program we mentioned above and adopted a dive site at Point Panic on Oahu, Hawaii. By supporting such brands, you align your passion for diving with conservation efforts.

8. Engage in Sustainable Dive Tourism

Dive tourism can have both positive and negative impacts on marine ecosystems. To support ocean conservation during your dive travels, choose eco-friendly dive operators that adhere to responsible diving practices and don’t cause any harm to the ecosystem. If you’re unsure, ask questions before booking any dives to assess the operator's practices to see if they align with your ethics. You can also look for operators who are members of the Green Fins initiative, which ensures they follow a code of conduct promoting conversation.

When choosing a destination, consider diving in regenerative tourism destinations (some of our favorites are Mexico, Fiji, Costa Rica, and New Zealand. You can also dive in many protected marine areas, where your dive financially supports conservation and lets the local government know there is interest in conservation in these areas. When booking accommodation for your dive trips, you should always look for stays with sustainable practices in place, such as water conservation, or plastic reduction initiatives. There are also many eco-friendly dive resorts, such as Misool Eco Resort in Indonesia and Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort in Fiji.

By making conscious choices while traveling, you can minimize your ecological footprint and contribute to the preservation of fragile underwater environments.

9. Participate in Coral Restoration Efforts

Coral reefs are under threat from various stressors, including climate change and ocean acidification. You can actively participate in coral restoration efforts by:

• Joining coral planting dives organized by dive operators or conservation organizations.

• Learning about coral propagation techniques and volunteering your time to assist with coral nurseries.

• Supporting coral restoration projects financially or by spreading awareness about their importance.

Coral reefs are not only essential for marine biodiversity but also for coastal protection and tourism, making their preservation critical.

10. Advocate for Marine Protection

As a passionate diver, you have a powerful voice in advocating for marine protection. Raising awareness is one of the best ways for divers to influence change. You can do so by joining organizations dedicated to marine conservation, such as Ocean Conservancy or Surfrider Foundation. You can also participate in local and international campaigns to promote marine protection, such as petitions or awareness events. And always be on the lookout for opportunities to engage with policymakers and legislators to advocate for stronger marine protection policies, including marine protected areas (MPAs).

Charting a Course for a Sustainable Ocean Future

PADI AWARE Week 2023 offers divers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on marine conservation. Whether you're taking the new PADI AWARE Specialist Course, becoming a Dive Against Debris Diver, getting involved in local activities, or advocating for marine protection, your actions can help protect the oceans we love and rely on. It's time to dive in and be a part of the global movement to safeguard our precious marine ecosystems, not just during PADI AWARE Week, but every day. By implementing these tips daily, divers can make a lasting and meaningful impact on marine conservation efforts.