Since the launch of Project AWARE’s Dive Against Debris specialty course in 2014, PADI Instructor, Fletcher Ferguson, has made educating divers about the global marine debris problem one of his top priorities. Fletcher understands the devastating impact of trash in our ocean and recognizes the important role divers can play in preventing, removing and reporting debris found underwater.

With Earth Day – April 22 – just one week away, Project AWARE is celebrating all things rubbish!
Over the past two decades, our supporters have helped us tackle the global issue of marine debris. From small changes in their daily lives to onshore and underwater cleanups, local actions have helped contribute to cleaner, healthier marine environments. And, we’re gaining traction.

Close your eyes and imagine your idyllic scuba diving location. Most might envision sandy white beaches, palm trees blowing in the breeze, and a small dive boat anchored offshore in calm turquoise waters – right?

After many consecutive Sunday beach cleanups and Dive Against Debris surveys, Hin Wong beach and local dive sites in Koh Tao, Thailand are looking better than ever!  The once trash-littered bay front has been restored to its natural beauty thanks to dedicated Project AWARE supporter and dive leader, Nicky Russell.

This year will be a very special Earth Day as it marks the 45th anniversary of the worldwide event, held on April 22 each year. Under the global theme “It’s Our Turn to Lead”, Project AWARE supporters are showing their support for environmental protection by taking on amazing challenges to help us lead the fight against marine debris and protect imperilled shark and ray species.
Divers are passionate ambassadors for ocean protection who never miss an opportunity to show their dedication and commitment to ocean conservation.

A pool, a team of passionate divers, a celebrity shark, and a cause worth fighting for were the perfect ingredients for a successful Finathon® organized in Florida last December!
Aqua Hands, a PADI dive centre specialized in scuba diving trips and dive courses for people fluent in American Sign Language, made a big splash for sharks in their local community by organizing a fundraising challenge in support of Project AWARE's Finathon®.

Dass ein sauberer Hafen gleichzeitig auch eine saubere Umwelt bedeutet, war die Motivation für acht mutige Sporttaucher mit Familien, einen Samstag im Mannheimer Hafengebiet unter der Mannheimer Spatzenbrücke zu verbringen. Unter der Schirmherrschaft des „Project AWARE“ – einer Marineumweltinitiative des weltgrößten Tauchsportverbandes PADI – und der fachkundigen Einsatzleitung des WAB Divepoint Mannheim e. K.

Last summer, a team of volunteer scuba divers descended upon the picturesque National Trust owned Lansallos Beach, near Looe in Cornwall UK for a challenging conservation event: a "Dive Against Debris" or in other words an underwater cleanup survey.