How far would you go to help protect sharks and rays? This October 1-2 in Bali, during CITES CoP17, Project AWARE supporter and PADI Regional Manager Paul “Tosh” Tanner will participate in what many have described as the toughest and most exhilarating event on the planet – the Tough Mudder.

Designed by the British Special Forces, Tough Mudder is a team-oriented 16-20 kilometer obstacle course that tests physical strength and mental grit. It challenges participants with long-distance running, extreme obstacles like rock walls, electric fences and rope swings, and of course, lots of mud. The course is not timed; rather, it puts camaraderie over finisher rankings and prioritizes teamwork. With the help of a few friends and fellow scuba divers, Paul will rise to the challenge in support of shark and ray conservation.

So what motivated Paul to sign up for this challenge, and how did he become an ocean advocate? It was practically an accident. While travelling through Thailand many years ago, Paul decided to try scuba diving on a whim, or as he explains, just to “tick a box off my bucket list.” Little did he know that the underwater experience would completely change his life path. He became a scuba instructor, travelling and working in the Caymans, Belize and St. Lucia, finally settling in Bali, Indonesia where he now lives and works as a PADI Regional Manager.

Like so many other scuba divers, Paul was drawn to marine conservation as a result of his first-hand encounters with the underwater world. The more he saw of our ocean planet – both the beauty and biodiversity, as well as the environmental damage and challenges faced by so many marine species – the more he became motivated to get involved in ocean protection. In particular, he became interested in helping protect sharks and rays.

He explains, “One of the most remarkable things a diver can encounter is a shark. The first time you see one, your heart starts to race with fear and anxiety. That exhilarating feeling never goes away, but the fear and anxiety eventually turn into respect and love for this incredible species.”

As his passion for sharks and rays grew, Paul determined to take on a Finathon fundraising challenge for their protection. With numerous shark and ray species up for vote to receive increased protections at CITES CoP17 this September and October, he saw the perfect opportunity to generate funds and awareness. Throughout his training for the Tough Mudder obstacle course, Paul is spreading knowledge of the many challenges faced by sharks and rays with his community and fundraising for their conservation.

To follow Paul’s progress throughout his training, visit his fundraising page at Finathon.org. Donate to his fundraiser or start your own today!