PADI AWARE Foundation is a publicly funded non-profit with three registered charities across the globe. The mission is to drive local action for global ocean conservation, through citizen science, public policy and community grants.
For over 30 years, PADI and AWARE have built a truly unique voice for the protection of the underwater world. Together, we have set ambitious ocean conservation targets through a shared Blueprint for Ocean Action that commits to actions that combat climate change, help create marine protected areas and protect vulnerable species.
Together, our community has already:
- Protected over 100 species of sharks and rays
- Generated two pioneering scientific studies on marine debris
- Raised over $200,000 in grant funding for local conservation projects
- Removed over 2 million pieces of debris from the ocean
- Rescued 13,500+ entangled marine animals
- Educated a million divers in ocean conservation
- Created the world’s largest network of underwater sites for conservation action
But we can’t stop there. Keep reading to meet some of the team behind the PADI AWARE Foundation, and find out what they do, what motivates them and which new conservation opportunities they are most excited about in the coming months.
Danna Moore – California, USA
What do you do for AWARE?
As Global Director, I lead the team across three charities – developing the overarching conservation strategy, overseeing global operations and advancing key conservation programs.
What’s your favorite diving destination?
Swami’s in California. My father used to take me there when I was young and later in life I started to dive there. It’s really a magical place with alot of life. Also, something about the 100 + stair trek with gear on makes hitting the water that much more sweet.
What is your favorite marine species?
The Otter. They are curious and mischievous creatures that I superstitiously have always felt brought me good luck when I see them.
What inspires you to work in marine conservation?
I’ve worked in a lot of different sectors in the conservation movement, but my heart always brought me back to the ocean. The interconnectivity of the sea to all conservation threats as well as the vital role it plays for all life. Personally, the ocean is the only place I truly feel at home and I feel a deep commitment to protecting it however I can.
What are you most excited about upcoming at AWARE?
So many things! Top of the list is the Global Shark Census and a close second is our in-country campaign work on Marine Protected Areas. Anything working with Dive Centers and in local communities drives me. Also, how our team is growing and collaborating. I am surrounded by hard working, passionate people and it is what makes my job the most exciting everyday.
Ian Campbell – Norfolk, United Kingdom
What do you do for AWARE?
I’m the Associate Director of Policy and Campaigns at PADI AWARE, and my role is developing conservation campaigns that align with our Blueprint for Ocean Action while also trying to ensure that they help governments develop conservation policies to protect the ocean.
What’s your favorite diving destination?
Fiji. My career has included several years as a commercial diver where I spent a lot of time either in zero visibility or in cold water for long periods of time, usually with a specific job to do so I couldn’t appreciate the actual diving aspect. When I quit commercial diving I told friends that if they were ever to see me anywhere near dive equipment again, they had my permission to scream obscenities at me. Then I got a job working for WWF in Fiji leading their shark conservation work and I said that my “no diving ever again” statement was more of a vague guideline than a rule. Over 5 years I got to dive regularly all over Fiji with sharks, manta rays, octopus, turtles and jaw dropping nudibranchs.
What is your favorite marine species?
With my background, it has to be a shark, and specifically it is the Atlantic Sharpnose Shark which was the first species I ever saw in the water while snorkeling in the Bahamas. I was so transfixed by seeing my first shark I completely missed the Great Hammerhead that everyone else in the group saw.
What inspires you to work in marine conservation?
I was brought up in a small fishing town in the UK so the sea has been a constant in my life, but the most inspiring thing is talking to my daughter’s friends who are not only interested in marine life, but are some of the most committed and passionate marine advocates I’ve ever met. While the ocean is facing many threats I have hope for the future when I speak to young people all over the world.
What are you most excited about upcoming at AWARE?
There are so many exciting new programmes and projects in development that there is a lot to choose from, but I’d say the new Global shark citizen science programme which is something that has been close to my heart for many years. The sheer scale and commitment of PADI divers and operators around the world means that we have a real opportunity to turn the tide for shark populations worldwide.
Juanita Seino – California, USA
What do you do for AWARE?
I am the Programs and Operations Manager for the Americas office. I help our team’s conservation plans be implemented, while supporting PADI Dive Centers, Resort and Professionals as needed.
What’s your favorite diving destination?
While I love our local stop of Catalina Island, diving in Las Islas del Rosario, Colombia is on my bucket list.
What is your favorite marine species?
Mako Sharks hold a special place in my heart. While working on AWARE’s campaign to protect them, I understood how important our conservation work is.
What inspires you to work in marine conservation?
It started as a way to save the ocean/waters and its future, and now I realize that it is about connecting as a community, creating a healthier place for us all.
What are you most excited about upcoming at AWARE?
I am incredibly excited about the upcoming new eLearning PADI AWARE specialty course, which will provide new ways for all students of the course to participate in conservation actions.
Jack Fishman – California, USA
What do you do for AWARE?
I am the Community & Campaigns Manager for PADI AWARE Foundation. I am a PADI Course Director and an avid diver with more than 25 years of diving experience. I wear a number of hats at the foundation! I am lucky to be able to help support the passionate conservation diving community in many ways. Everything from conducting training on PADI AWARE Courses, to supporting the marketing work for our conservation programs. I also build campaigns and courses with the team that directly support the Blueprint for Ocean Action. This allows me to travel to different diving communities around the world to help inspire others to take action for our oceans.
What’s your favorite diving destination?
My favorite diving destination is Bonaire. The island is near Aruba, just 50 miles off the coast of Venezuela. Tucked beneath the hurricane belt, Bonaire is home to some of the healthiest corals in the Caribbean, as well as colors like you’ve never seen. Places like Bonaire need your help. I learned to swim on this island, and fell in love with the ocean here. I’ve seen the coral reefs change over the past 20 years.
What is your favorite marine species?
Unequivocally, my favorite marine animal is a pufferfish. But not just any pufferfish, the Caribbean Balloonfish (Scientific Name: Diodon holocanthus). They have the most beautiful eyes! It is like looking into a mini galaxy of stars and color. They form strong bonds with other species of their kind, and often can have positive interactions with divers. They can be a bit shy, so it is important you approach them slowly, and with great care. You want them to become comfortable with you! Some are even known to have spent the entire dive with people before!
What inspires you to work in marine conservation?
For me, what inspires me most is working with other passionate people who are dedicated to protect the waters they love. I truly love supporting dive professionals and business owners who engage with their local community in a meaningful way. It is always their love for their own dive sites and local animals that allows us to be successful with conservation. It is not hard to stay an #OceanOptimist, when you get to work with people every day who want your help, and want to make a difference. In my travels to different communities around the world, the one take away I always leave with is; no matter the language, the location, or local challenges, if you love something, you will truly work hard to protect it. I also can confidently say that one person can make a difference. Every ripple, every action, no matter how small, can lead to big waves of change.
What are you most excited about upcoming at AWARE?
I am truly excited to be a part of this dedicated team, and to serve the PADI diving community. One program in particular I am so excited about is the revision of the PADI AWARE Specialty. We are working hard to create something special that will teach conservation, and inspire those who may not yet be divers, to take meaningful action.
Ian Amos – Sydney, Australia
What do you do for AWARE?
I am the Program & Operations Coordinator for Asia Pacific. I look after the day to day aspects of the Asia Pacific charity, actively involved in implementing and supporting the AWARE programs and in-country campaigns and the Mission Hub Community Grants.
What’s your favorite diving destination?
Truthfully, in any underwater landscape, there are so many interesting and fascinating things happening, interacting and evolving once you go beneath the surface. Each dive can be such a truly amazing and unique experience.
What is your favorite marine species?
I love Manta Rays, which may be why I have one as a tattoo :-) But running a close second is the Weedy Seadragon and Sharks – what’s not to love about sharks!!
What inspires you to work in marine conservation?
I have always felt connected to the ocean, from a young age I have always been comfortable in or around the water. Being able to make a difference everyday by connecting with the communities involved in our programs and the dive industry is inspiring. Having the opportunity to promote that through the AWARE Foundation allows me to do my bit to secure the marine environment for others to enjoy it as I do. Without water there is no life for any of the planet’s inhabitants.
What are you most excited about upcoming at AWARE?
Everyday is exciting, but mostly about the global shark and ray census as this will be world leading. The new AWARE eLearning course is also up there as it provides a first step for divers and non divers to get involved with and understand our conservation work and programmes.
Plus getting to work everyday with the amazing and inspiring team at the Foundation in collaboration with the CSR team at PADI.
Emily Deery – Bristol, United Kingdom
What do you do for AWARE?
I am the Programs & Operations Coordinator for Europe, Middle east and Africa. I handle the day to day operations for the UK based charity and work directly with our community of passionate dive operators to encourage engagement with AWARE programs. Alongside this, I am the data specialist for our citizen science database (currently Dive Against Debris), fulfilling data sharing requests for our partners globally by producing analytical reports which are then used to influence policy and contribute to scientific research.
What’s your favorite diving destination?
I have two that are drastically different! One being SS James Eagan Lane wreck dive in Plymouth, UK. When people ask ‘Is there anything to see in UK waters?’ This site is the PERFECT example of what UK waters have to offer, which is an abundance of wildlife and history. Second being the Maldives – Reethi Beach. Mantas, Sharks, Turtles, beautifully abundant coral reefs and amazing visibility. Also nice to get out of a drysuit!
What is your favorite marine species?
Manta Rays. They’re so majestic, playful and inquisitive- I could honestly watch them for hours.
What inspires you to work in marine conservation?
Quite simply, I want to protect what I love and our marine environment is threatened. The marine world has been my playground since I was two years old and has truly shaped me as a person, so I want to do everything I can to give back.
What are you most excited about upcoming at AWARE?
There’s so many amazing things in the pipeline for AWARE… if i had to pick i’m probably most excited about expanding our citizen science programs by launching the world first global shark and ray census. I’m also incredibly excited to spend more time on the ground with my EMEA community and solidify AWARE’s presence and support across the region, first stop Greece!
As an Ocean Torchbearer, you’ll be the first to know about opportunities to save the ocean with PADI and PADI AWARE Foundation. Take the Save the Ocean Pledge to be the first to hear about new conservation opportunities! Or join PADI Club to support PADI AWARE’s programs to save the ocean. A portion of your annual fee will be donated directly to the Foundation.
