PADI AWARE Foundation
Photos by Stan Moniz of PADI AWARE and Lauren Weiss of Pathos Collective
Words by Nico Becerra
Conservation Courses
PADI AWARE has created a conservation-focused community that serves as an inspiration to our team. Their comprehensive educational courses centered around conservation are aimed at instilling stewardship values among individuals towards ocean preservation. Working with PADI AWARE and running their programs has allowed us to adopt an all-encompassing approach towards conservational efforts in the ocean. This is why we are appreciative and grateful for them.
Marine Debris Database
The marine debris database provided by PADI AWARE is our favorite tool. This worldwide dataset serves to influence policy reform, generate awareness, and galvanize action aimed at protecting the ocean for generations to come. Underwater cleanups are community-driven efforts run by PADI AWARE that enable divers of all skill levels to join the cause by picking up trash littered across the seafloor. This provides valuable data that can be used in a plethora of ways. By incorporating data gleaned from these events in dialogues with local governmental bodies and stakeholders on Catalina Island, this resource intensifies the impact of our campaigns for clean-up initiatives in that region. Our association with PADI AWARE allows us to effectively convey how imperative it is for us to tackle challenges facing oceans globally while channeling effort towards areas where intervention would be most beneficial.
As an organization operated by experienced scuba divers, we recognize our obligation to consistently enhance the condition of the ocean with each dive trip. In conjunction with this philosophy and as part of our sustainable initiatives, we collaborate seamlessly with PADI AWARE by collecting marine debris data on Catalina Island while simultaneously improving conservation efforts throughout Southern California. This mutualistic relationship enables both organizations to fulfill their obligations towards preserving the ocean’s beauty. This decision was straightforward for us and we eagerly anticipate forthcoming prospects made available through this partnership.
Catalina Monitoring Program
This year, we launched the Catalina Monitoring Program - a long-term initiative to monitor kelp forests along the coast of Catalina Island through community-driven scientific approaches. By establishing this program, we hope to work in even closer collaboration with PADI AWARE as we believe it will spread awareness for our missionabout our purpose, enhance data collection along the coast of Catalina, and offer valuable training opportunities for divers on community science assessments and marine debris surveys.
“My experience with PADI AWARE and their Dive Against Debris event was one of the most rewarding ones I’ve had scuba diving.”
42nd Annual Avalon Harbor Cleanup
It was the 42nd Annual Avalon Harbor Underwater Cleanup and I sailed to Catalina with my dad and sister to participate. As part of the Bleu World team, we convened for a briefing at a campsite prior to the dive to overview our responsibilities and generate enthusiasm. We woke up bright and early the following morning and began suiting up for the event. As I descended, I realized that all participants were resolute in their pursuit of bettering the ocean and it evoked a sense of warmth within me. Armed with mesh bags and gloves, we surveyed the area for debris scouring for any hint of trash we could find. It was heartbreaking seeing first-hand the extent of pollution littering the seafloor, but there was a sense of accomplishment knowing that I was removing it from the ecosystem and not introducing it.
Raising Awareness
The impact did not end on Saturday, though, as Dive Against Debris events also raise awareness and inspire others to take action long after the events end. By sharing these experiences on social media, reporting our data to PADI AWARE and having open discussions about the importance of protecting our oceans, these events serve as an outlet that allows countless more to join the fight against marine pollution. Overall, this experience was not only exciting but also provided profound insights. The amount of trash that was laced throughout the seascape is etched into my memory, and seeing it first-hand reinforces the importance of being an environmental steward. I can’t wait for the opportunity to help next year!
Marine Debris Data
On February 24, 2024, the Avalon Harbor Cleanup gathered 282 divers to Dive Against Debris. These divers collected 2,179 pieces of debris off the seafloor weighing a total of 1,376.27 pounds.
Check out these charts to better understand the distribution of debris collected and use the links below to read our complete report with PADI AWARE!
