As scuba divers and ocean lovers, we care about the underwater world. We are also naturally curious about how to protect it. When learning about conservation, it is easy to become overwhelmed by the alarming statistics of global warming, plastic pollution and illegal wildlife exploitation. However, whether ecotourism advances or protections for species, there are plenty of exciting marine conservation wins that we should all know about.
Keep reading to discover some of the marine conservation wins from around the world.
Citizen Science Helps Achieve Conservation Success
You don’t need to be a scientist to help save the ocean; everyone can get involved. In fact, significant research is supported by citizen science. PADI Dive Centers and Resorts across the globe partner with local organizations. They track sea life, monitor reef health and support marine research to make ecotourism more sustainable.
DIvers around the world are driving local action for global ocean conservation. Through PADI AWARE Foundation’s flagship Dive Against Debris® program, AWARE has already mobilized more than 100,000 divers across 117 countries to remove and report millions of plastic items, free more than 42,754 entangled marine animals and provide data shaping ocean policy.
AWARE will now build on this momentum with the launch of the 2026 Global Shark & Ray Census, a diver-powered monitoring initiative designed to generate real-time shark data to assess current protections and expand Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) to protect Important Shark and Ray Areas (ISRAs). Through PADI AWARE’s Conservation Action Portal (CAP), the stage is set for divers everywhere to play an even greater role in ocean protection.
Green Sea Turtles No Longer Considered Endangered Species
Initiatives like the TURT app (Turtles Uniting Researchers and Tourists) track sea turtles using user-reported sightings. App users can add specific observations such as time, location and water conditions. These are then analyzed in a global sea turtle database. Sightings have been logged from many popular dive spots including the Caribbean, Australia and Thailand. Because scientists may not always be available to track sea turtle sightings in a particular spot, and divers are frequently out exploring, the citizen science model proves beneficial results. Divers can contribute to scientific research while tracking their own animal sightings.
After more than 30 years of earning a spot on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Endangered Species, green sea turtles are no longer considered endangered. This progress is the result of protecting turtle nesting grounds and increased collaboration with divers, community organizations and officials. Despite decades of threats to green sea turtle populations, these improvements show how extinction is not inevitable.
Next time you come across an exciting creature on a dive, consider uploading the information to a conservation platform. Divers can take part in citizen science projects all over the world, from Antarctica to the Dominican Republic.
Belize Takes Action To Promote Sustainable Tourism
If diving the Great Blue Hole or Belize’s Barrier Reef is on your bucket list, you will be glad to know that Belize is investing in ecotourism initiatives, especially for scuba diving. These efforts expand beyond policy, with an emphasis on connecting divers with sustainable practices. Belize has also committed to protecting 30% of its ocean territory.
With several well-established PADI Dive Resorts in Belize, there are ample options to experience ecotourism in action. These resorts combine incredible diving with environmental education by promoting reef-safe activities. Community collaboration has also led to the implementation of fishing restrictions and marine protections that support long-term, responsible tourism. As a result, tourism benefits the local environment and economy instead of depleting resources.
How Divers Can Learn More
If you are ready to take action to protect the ocean, check out the PADI AWARE™ Specialty Course, Dive Against Debris® Specialty Course or AWARE Shark Conservation Course. These continuing education courses educate divers on marine conservation strategies and better prepare them to participate in conservation efforts.
Start your journey today by enrolling in one of PADI’s conservation-focused courses. Or take the Ocean Pledge to become a PADI Ocean Torchbearer™ and join a global community committed to protecting the places we dive.
