June 8, 2021 – For 30 years, PADI and Project AWARE have worked together to address critical issues impacting ocean health. Today, this relationship is made stronger by putting the weight of the PADI mission and organizational support behind this non-profit public charity to achieve critical ocean conservation goals in the years ahead.

“Saving the ocean requires all of us acting together in thousands of ways on a local level, united by our passion and armed with a clear plan of action to turn the dial towards a healthy future for both people and planet,” says Drew Richardson, President and CEO of PADI Worldwide.

Through their joint Blueprint for Ocean Action, PADI and PADI AWARE Foundation will work to:

• Rid the oceans of marine debris, reducing marine debris by 50% in targeted countries through strategic partnerships and the PADI AWARE Community Grant Program.
• Multiply the number of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), protecting 30% of the ocean through partner collaboration and expansion of the Adopt a Dive Site program.
• Protect endangered and vulnerable marine species, protecting 20 vulnerable shark and ray species by deploying in-country conservation campaigns.
• Accelerate coral reef recovery and restoration, restoring 5% of coral reef habitats through citizen science programs and project funding for key coral reef habitats.
• Reduce and offset the carbon footprint of the diving industry, achieving carbon neutrality across the PADI organization’s supply chain and mobilizing PADI Torchbearers to restore, protect and fund seagrass habitats to offset carbon.

Also launching in celebration of World Oceans Day, the PADI Conservation Activities Locator allows divers and non-divers to find and book conservation activities with PADI Members across the planet. Part of the PADI Adventures platform, the Locator enables people to turn their passion into a purpose for the ocean, by engaging in conservation activities, actions, events and courses, in and out of the water.

Want to stay informed about current issues impacting ocean health? Join the community of PADI Torchbearers here to see how you can make a difference.