When you become immersed in an outdoor lifestyle sport like diving, most likely, you have an affinity or a deep love, even, for the underwater world. You'll probably want to know how to be a ‘good' diver and then eventually, how to use your skills to help protect the dive sites you love most.
Just like climbers and campers have an ethic or code to live by – so do scuba divers. Project AWARE first launched an ethic more than two decades ago. Today, it's no secret that the world – including the underwater world – is changing rapidly. This includes the ever-increasing and shifting threats to our ocean planet. But also the way we live, travel and even the way we learn to dive is evolving. When thinking about overhauling the Project AWARE philosophy for divers. The focus was on top ocean issues globally – specifically where individual scuba divers can make a difference when they travel, dive, photograph and more.
Divers share a deep connection with the ocean. You can make a difference for ocean protection every time you dive, travel and more.
Be a Buoyancy Expert
Underwater plants and animals are more fragile than they appear. The swipe of a fin, bump of your camera or even a touch can destroy
decades of coral growth, damage a plant or harm an animal. Streamline your scuba and photo gear, keep your dive skills sharp, perfect your underwater photo techniques and continue your dive training to fine-tune your skills. Always be aware of your body, dive gear and photo equipment to avoid contact with the natural environment.
decades of coral growth, damage a plant or harm an animal. Streamline your scuba and photo gear, keep your dive skills sharp, perfect your underwater photo techniques and continue your dive training to fine-tune your skills. Always be aware of your body, dive gear and photo equipment to avoid contact with the natural environment.
New scuba divers are being trained and certified every day. Regardless of your experience level, be sure to set a good example for others when interacting with the environment – while underwater and on land.
Take Only Photos - Leave Only Bubbles
Nearly everything natural found underwater is alive or will be used by a living creature. If you take a coral, shell or animal, you can disturb the delicate balance and add to the depletion of dive sites for future generations.
Choose not to touch, feed, handle, chase or ride anything underwater. Your actions may stress the animal, interrupt feeding and mating behaviour or provoke aggressive behaviour. Understand and respect underwater life and follow all local laws and regulations.
Become a Debris Activist
An astonishing amount of waste makes its way underwater, reaching even the most remote ocean areas. Once there, it kills wildlife, destroys habitats and threatens our health and economy. Don't let your dives go to waste. Remove and report what doesn't belong underwater every time you dive. Make a conscious effort to buy green, buy local and, when possible, buy less.
Make Responsible Seafood Choices
Overfishing leads to species declines while harmful fishing practices damage and pollute underwater ecosystems. You play a critical role as a consumer. If seafood is part of your meal selection, ensure you're choosing sustainably sourced species and encourage others, including restaurants and shop owners, to do the same.
Take Action
Scuba divers are some of the strongest ocean advocates on the planet. Now, more than ever, divers like you are taking a stand. Speak out for conservation, share your underwater images, and report environmental damage to authorities and campaign for change.
Be an Eco-tourist
Shrink Your Carbon Footprint
Give Back
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