Project AWARE is committed to the conservation and preservation of the underwater environment and its resources. To this end, it develops educational materials, programmes, and public awareness campaigns, supports innovative projects and provides direct financial support to worthwhile endeavours.

PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) founded Project AWARE (Aquatic World Awareness, Responsibility and Education) in response to the growing awareness of the problems facing both ocean and freshwater ecosystems. Project AWARE (UK) was established as a charity in 1999 specifically to offer regional assistance in the UK, Eire, Africa, Mediterranean regions, Middle East, Russia, Eastern Europe and the Nordic Region.

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10 ways divers can protect the seas Divers and snorkellers are obvious ambassadors for the underwater environment. Let's make sure we: 1. Dive carefully in fragile aquatic environments Although, at first, they may look like rocks or plants, many aquatic organisms are fragile creatures that can be damaged or harmed by the bump of a tank, knee or camera, a swipe of a fin or even the touch of a hand. It is also important to know that some aquatic organisms, such as corals, are extremely slow growing. By breaking off even a small piece, you may be destroying decades of growth. By being careful, you can prevent devastating and long-lasting damage to magnificent dive sites. 2. Streamline yourself Much damage to the environment is done unknowingly. Keep your gauges and alternate air source secured so they don't drag over the reef or bottom. By controlling your buoyancy and taking care not to touch coral or other fragile organisms with your body, diving equipment or camera, you will have done your part in preventing injury to aquatic life. 3. Continue your education If you haven't dived in a while, your skills (particularly buoyancy control) may need sharpening. Before heading to the reefs, seek bottom time with a certified assistant or instructor in a pool or other environment that won't be damaged by a few bumps and scrapes. Better yet, take a diving continuing education course such as PADI Scuba Review, the PADI Adventures in Diving programme, or a PADI Speciality Diver course. AWARE continuing education diving courses provide you with the skills practice and practical application of environmentally sound diving techniques. 4. Consider your impact on aquatic life through your interactions. Very few forms of aquatic life pose a threat to us. In fact, some creatures even seem friendly and curious about our presence. As we become bolder and more curious ourselves, we may even feel compelled to touch, handle, feed and even hitch rides on certain aquatic life. However, our actions may cause stress to the animal, interrupt feeding and mating behaviour, introduce food items that are not healthy for the species or even provoke aggressive behaviour in normally non-aggressive species. Interact responsibly with the aquatic environment. 5. Understand and respect underwater life, resist the urge to collect souvenirs Through adaptation to an aquatic environment, underwater life often differs greatly in appearance from life we are used to seeing on land. Many creatures only appear to look like plants or inanimate objects. Using them as 'toys' or food for other animals can leave a trail of destruction that can disrupt a local ecosystem and rob other divers of the pleasure of observing or photographing these creatures. Consider taking part in a Project AWARE programme to become more familiar with the importance of, and the interdependent nature of, worldwide aquatic ecosystems. Dive sites that are heavily visited can be depleted of their resources in a short time. Collecting specimens, coral and shells in these areas can strip their fascination and beauty. If you want to return from your dives with trophies to show friends and family you may want to consider underwater photography instead. 6. Be an ECO-Tourist Protected areas, such as parks, reserves and sanctuaries are one of the best tools for conserving the aquatic environment. Support the creation of protected areas, follow all local laws, and learn to appreciate that all aquatic habitats (such as grass beds, mangroves and rubble zones) are important and interesting environments. Do not confine your diving only to sites highlighted in brochures and articles. When planning a diving trip, choose ECO Tour Operators involved with ECO-resorts and ECO-operators. Make informed decisions when selecting a destination and support the Project AWARE Go ECO environmental campaign. 7. Respect the underwater cultural heritage Divers and snorkellers have the privilege to access dive sites that are part or our cultural heritage or maritime history. You should help preserve these sites for future generations by obeying local laws, diving responsibly and treating wrecks with respect. Wrecks can serve as important habitats for fish and other aquatic life. 8. Report environmental disturbances or destruction of your dive sites Divers and snorkellers are in a unique position to monitor the health of local waterways, lakes and coastal areas. If you observe an unusual depletion of aquatic life, a rash of injuries to aquatic animals, or notice strange substances or objects in the water, report them to your local authority or similar organisation. 9. Be a role model As a diver or snorkeller, you realise that when someone throws a plastic wrapper or other debris overboard, it is not out of sight, out of mind. You see the results of such neglect. Set a good example in your own interactions with the environment, and other divers and non-divers will follow suit. 10. Get Involved There are plenty of opportunities to show your support of a clean aquatic environment, including local beach clean-ups, surveys and attending public hearings on matters that impact local coastal areas and water resources. Divers’ skills in particular are always needed and appreciated by many environmental organisations. Click here >> for more details about Project AWARE

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