The PADI Blueprint for Ocean Action is a shared conservation framework with PADI AWARE Foundation that is designed to drive measurable impact and deliver solutions addressing the ocean’s most urgent, human-driven challenges. This Blueprint turns purpose into action by empowering divers, professionals, and dive centers around the world to become a force for good in the water and in their communities, helping protect marine life, restore ecosystems, and support local conservation efforts. By mobilizing this global Ocean Torchbearer network, we are making real, lasting impact through the following programs:
What the Blueprint Delivers
The Blueprint is organized around five priority conservation programs that align with PADI’s mission to create one billion Torchbearers-divers and ocean advocates- taking action to explore and protect the ocean. Each program outlines a clear goal, pathway for action, and opportunities for engagement across the PADI network.
With more than 6,600 dive centers and 128,000 professionals worldwide, PADI is uniquely positioned to lead ocean conservation at scale. Through this Blueprint, we are putting purpose into action-uniting our global community to secure a healthier ocean for future generations.
What Are the 5 Conservation Programs That Make up the Blueprint?
1. Marine Debris Program – Make every dive a step towards a cleaner ocean
Through Dive Against Debris®, divers worldwide are removing marine debris and collecting critical data to drive global policy change and stop plastic pollution at its source. Marine debris is one of the biggest threats to ocean health, from plastic waste to lost fishing gear. Dive Against Debris divers help identify pollution hotspots, track the effectiveness of waste management and support stronger protections for the ocean. Every survey is a step towards cleaner seas and a healthier future for marine life.
OUR GOAL: A CLEANER OCEAN
2. Marine Protected Areas Program – Uniting divers to expand ocean protection
Through Adopt the Blue™, PADI’s flagship conservation program, divers are helping grow marine protected areas by collecting vital data, supporting local conservation efforts, and protecting critical dive sites for future generations. Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are one of the most powerful ways to reverse biodiversity loss, restore ecosystems, and safeguard our planet’s future. With a bold goal of 10,000 adopted sites worldwide, Adopt the Blue leverages PADI’s global reach to empower local action, support governments, and accelerate international conservation goals.
OUR GOAL: EXPANDED OCEAN PROTECTION
3. Vulnerable Marine Species Program – Every dive brings a vulnerable species closer to survival
Through the flagship Global Shark & Ray Census, responsible encounters, and advocacy, divers are helping protect vulnerable marine life and drive stronger protections for the species that need it most. Sharks, rays and turtles are facing serious threats —putting ocean ecosystems under pressure. This program connects divers to global efforts that help restore the balance in the ocean and give vulnerable species a better chance of survival.
OUR GOAL: STRONGER PROTECTIONS FOR VULNERABLE SPECIES
4. Marine Habitat Restoration Program – Revive and restore the ocean’s most vital ecosystems
Through Adopt the Blue, divers are helping restore coral reefs, seagrasses, and other vital ocean habitats by supporting local projects, taking part in restoration activities and bringing damaged ecosystems back to life. Vital ocean habitats like coral reefs, seagrasses, and mangroves are under serious pressure. These ecosystems are home to marine life, protect coastlines, and play a crucial role in climate resilience. But many are damaged and struggling to recover. This program gives nature a chance to recover and helps build a healthier future for people and planet.
OUR GOAL: INCREASED HABITAT RESTORATION
5. AWARE Community Grant Program – Fueling local action for global ocean impact
The PADI AWARE® Community Grant Program supports local conservation efforts led by dive centers, non-profits and community groups around the world. Since 2022, the program has helped fund projects tackling marine debris, habitat loss, species protection and the effects of climate change. By backing grassroots action, these grants help build stronger coastal communities and deliver meaningful ocean impact.
In 2024, PADI AWARE Foundation provided critical resources to community projects across 31 countries – from coral reef restoration to climate change mitigation – and has made a commitment to provide over $10 million in funding by 2030.
OUR GOAL: MORE DIVE OPERATORS FUNDED FOR LOCAL CONSERVATION
Why Is Taking Action for the Ocean So Important?
The threats faced by the ocean and its inhabitants need the attention of individuals, organizations and governments decision-makers. Strong ocean advocates (that’s you!) can help governments and communities reach their environmental commitments at both the local and global level.
Here are some ways you can get involved in ocean conservation via the Blueprint for Ocean Action:
- Navigate to the PADI AWARE Foundation’s Conservation Impact Map to discover how PADI Dive Centers are helping to advance the blueprint and protect their local waters.
- Login in to the AWARE Conservation Action Portal to take action, track your contributions, and be part of a growing movement that is shaping the future of our ocean.
- Contact a PADI Dive Center to find out what they are doing and how you can help. Whether at your local dive shop or at any of the operators in 183 countries and territories around the world, there are countless ways to get involved. Many dive centers work with local non-profits and not all conservation projects require dive certifications. Ask your chosen dive center if they provide education opportunities to support the project above ground or underwater.
- Become a conservation-focused diver or continue your diver education by taking all the conservation courses we have to offer. Divers are some of the strongest ocean advocates, because they are in a unique position to witness and report on the threats facing the ocean.
- Sign up as an Ocean Torchbearer and receive news and updates throughout the year on conservation actions you can take above and below the surface. By raising your hand as a Torchbearer, you will be first to know about opportunities for conservation action – like new conservation courses, citizen science opportunities and policy advocacy campaigns that directly advance the Blueprint for Ocean Action.
What we do individually, and collectively, does matter. The shared optimism and conviction that change is possible, combined with the tangible actions offered by the above blueprint, makes the Ocean Torchbearer Community a viable solution to creating a more resilient ocean and a brighter future for all.
Our first Pillar of Change, Ocean Conservation, reflects both our long-standing ethos to protect the aquatic environment and our renewed commitment to save the ocean. By empowering millions of divers around the world with the ability to take focused conservation action, we believe that change is possible.
Special thanks to Blancpain, official partner of the PADI Blueprint for Ocean Action and founding partner of the PADI MPA Program, Adopt the Blue™ and the Global Shark & Ray Census.
