This AWARE Week, join the Ocean Torchbearer Community .
The 9th annual AWARE Week is your invitation to be part of something bigger: a global movement of divers and ocean advocates working to protect the underwater world we all love. From 12–20 September, divers around the world will unite to take action above and below the surface, through citizen science, cleanups, education and advocacy.
This year marks the biggest evolution in AWARE Week’s history. Alongside Dive Against Debris, you can now contribute to the Global Shark & Ray Census and the AWARE Biodiversity Survey, all logged through the same place, the Conservation Action Portal (CAP). And during AWARE Week, we’re launching the Shark and Ray Discovery Challenge, presented with Blancpain, a brand-new way to get involved in shark and ray conservation.
Here are different ways you can get involved this AWARE Week – above and below the surface.
Three Surveys, One Portal
Wherever you are diving, there’s a survey that you can do to contribute. Log any of these through the Conservation Action Portal:
- Global Shark & Ray Census — log shark and ray sightings
- Dive Against Debris — track and remove marine debris
- AWARE Biodiversity Survey — monitor broader ocean health
And your data is already making a difference. The Global Shark & Ray Census launched earlier this year, and within its first month, diver sightings helped confirm four shark and ray species in Vanuatu, including species listed as Vulnerable and Critically Endangered. That data is now part of a peer-reviewed scientific paper.
This AWARE Week, take it further with the Shark and Ray Discovery Challenge, an exciting new way to get involved in shark and ray conservation. Find out more about the challenge and get a head start by visiting thesharkdiscoverychallenge.com.
Explore the Conservation Action Portal (CAP)
The Conservation Action Portal is your one-stop shop for conservation action, making it easier than ever to contribute meaningful data and engage in conservation directly through the dives you’re already doing. Join conservation campaigns, share your impact and connect with others who care about the ocean as much as you do.
Here are 6 easy ways to get involved in CAP:
- Submit a Dive Against Debris, Global Shark & Ray Census or AWARE Biodiversity Survey.
- Discover Adopt the Blue sites near you.
- Sign petitions to protect ocean species and habitats.
- Donate to support ocean conservation programs.
- Track your impact.
- Collect your Torchbearer badge.
Above the Surface – Take Action
Even if you can’t be underwater, you can still take meaningful action this AWARE Week.
Take the Ocean Torchbearer Pledge
Whether it’s your first dive or your hundredth, there’s a place for you in the Torchbearer Community. However you choose to get involved this AWARE Week, whether that’s removing debris, logging a shark sighting or surveying a reef, your action adds up. Divers like you have contributed to the largest underwater marine debris database on the planet, helped secure protections for 104 species of sharks and rays and aided over 43,900 entangled marine animals.
Share Your Story and Encourage Others To Act
Raising awareness is one of the most overlooked parts of driving change. As divers, we have unique insight into a world that remains hidden for most people. Through our stories and experiences, we can show others what’s really happening beneath the surface, and we can inspire them to act, too.
Tag @paditv and @padiaware on your social media posts and use the following hashtags to share your AWARE Week story. You might even be featured in our social media posts and celebratory photo albums!
#AWAREWeek #SaveTheOcean #DiveAgainstDebris #GlobalSharkAndRayCensus #AWAREBiodiversitySurvey #LocalActionGlobalImpact #EveryDiveASurveyDive
Donate To Support Community Action
PADI AWARE Foundation programs are made possible thanks to the generous support of our community. This AWARE Week, consider a donation to PADI AWARE Foundation and help fund programs and community grantees leading the charge in ocean protection. Your donation directly supports initiatives like these, and the many other projects that have received PADI AWARE Community Grants.
If you believe in diver-powered conservation, consider becoming a monthly supporter and help make this work possible every day of the year.
Below the Surface – Get Involved
Divers are invited to take action for the ocean this AWARE Week. Read on for some ideas on how to get involved.
Make Every Dive a Survey Dive
Make every dive a survey dive this AWARE Week. The data submitted to the Global Shark and Ray Census is verified by scientists at James Cook University. Once sightings are verified, they can be used to support scientific literature and policy campaigns in order to get vulnerable shark and ray species protected around the world.
The data from the Global Shark & Ray Census will:
- Show trends of shark and ray populations, so PADI Dive Centers can use scientific proof to advertise shark and ray-heavy dive sites.
- Help governments monitor and meet their shark protection commitments, which can increase tourism.
- Advance sustainable and responsible shark and ray tourism, helping to protect livelihoods and contribute toward local and national economies.
- Expand critical shark and ray habitat protection measures and contribute to the development of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) to improve dive sites around the world.
Download the PADI AWARE App on the Google Play or Apple App Store today to get started.
Join an AWARE Week Event
AWARE Week is a great opportunity to get your fins on and take an active role in ocean conservation. Contact your local PADI Dive Center or Resort to see what they have planned, whether that’s a Dive Against Debris cleanup, a Shark & Ray Census dive day, a Biodiversity Survey outing or your first shot at the Shark and Ray Discovery Challenge.
Take an Ocean Conservation Course
Understanding conservation issues enables us to make more informed choices in our daily lives to better protect the ocean.
Take the AWARE Shark and Ray Conservation Specialty course and gain the knowledge and skills to understand these incredible animals, the threats they face and the solutions helping to protect them. More than just a course, this is your opportunity to take part in real-world conservation and the perfect prep for the Discovery Challenge.
Other conservation courses that you could take include:
- Dive Against Debris Specialty course
- PADI AWARE Specialty course
- Coral Reef Conservation Specialty course
These courses also count toward the elite PADI Master Scuba Diver™ rating and the PADI Master Scuba Diver Challenge. Join the Challenge by filling in the entry form, sharing your passion and earning entry points by the end of December 2026 to stand the chance of winning a dream liveaboard for two to the Galápagos!
Whatever your diving experience, your voice counts, and you can make a difference this AWARE Week and year-round. Thank you for being an Ocean Torchbearer™ and creating ocean change to protect and preserve our blue planet.
The ocean doesn't need more awareness. It needs action. Lead the charge this AWARE Week, from 12–20 September
Thank You to Our Partner
AWARE Week is made possible by Blancpain, Official Partner of the PADI Blueprint for Ocean Action and Founding Partner of the Adopt the Blue™ Program.
