20 Years of Ocean Protection

There are so many reasons to not do something incredible or remarkable. Classic excuses for not becoming involved. But for the past 20 years as a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, Project AWARE is proud to say, most of what we’ve heard is the splash of countless, inspiring AWARE divers, doing what we do best - just diving in.

This year, as we blow out 20 candles and celebrate 20 years of ocean protection – we celebrate you – the remarkable, the passionate ocean hero. And we can't help but feel invigorated for the challenges ahead.

It’s not always pretty. Protecting the ocean from beneath the waves is a pull-on-your-wetsuit, knock-down, drag-out kind of job. In 2012 alone, we removed more than 40,000 kgs or 80,000 lbs of trash from the ocean. We helped establish the world’s largest network of marine reserves in Australia. We collected more than 120,000 signatures to push for shark and ray protections globally. And we even helped put an end to shark finning in the European Union.

Together, we pulled off some of the most amazing ocean victories. We breathed a collective sigh of relief as we won each battle, and even felt the pain of a few battles lost. Win or lose, thank you for standing alongside us to fight the good fight for the ocean!

What’s next for our diver-powered ocean protection movement in 2013? Stronger, more powerful strategies to protect the ocean – one dive and one victory at a time. As our movement grows, we see new challenges and issues emerge. But even after all these years, we’re still convinced that making your dives count for ocean protection is the best way to fight. Are you in?

Join the movement and create a profile in Project AWARE’s My Ocean community. Let’s get started!