What if we told you the effort you put forth as a diver to complete a PADI certification course could also support ocean protection initiatives? These initiatives include securing conservation measures for the most vulnerable shark and ray species, and providing the tools and resources to volunteer scuba divers to take action against marine debris in their local communities and to collect data critical to working towards solutions to this global issue.

With a small donation to conservation, you can ask your PADI Instructor for the Project AWARE version of your PADI certification or replacement card. Your donation supports Project AWARE’s initiatives that impact the places you love to dive and the marine species you love to encounter whilst diving.

FACT:Manta rays are classified as Vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Despite progress, unregulated fishing driven largerly by Asian markets for Chinese medicine made from their gill rakers - the tight-knit, feathery structures these filter feeders use to strain plankton - continues to threaten their survival.

In 2014, we’ve helped secure additional protections for these magnificent creatures under the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species working together with you and our conservation partners to list additional manta and devil ray species.

FACT: More than 260 species are reported to have been entangled in, or to have ingested, marine debris.

In 2014, 4,096 Project AWARE Dive Against Debris volunteers removed more than 87,668 pieces or rubbish in more than 58 countries and contributed this data to the only marine debris data base and map which shows the underwater perspective of the global marine debris issue.

Bridge your passion for diving to underwater conservation work. The next time you complete a dive course, ask your PADI instructor for the latest Project AWARE certification card options. If you love this Manta Ray card, our latest design, you can also visit www.padi.com to replace your current PADI card. Join the movement of divers who protect the ocean planet, one dive at a time! Ask for a Project AWARE card!

Are you a PADI Instructor? Download the free resources to encourage your student divers to choose the Project AWARE card in 2015 or become a 100% AWARE partner to ensure all your certifications support ocean protection through Project AWARE.

Note:

Project AWARE and our partners succeeded in helping to protect mantas under the Convention on Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) in 2011, extend additional CMS protections to devil rays and other sharks in 2014 and regulate international trade in those species under CITES in 2013.