It is common knowledge that coral reefs around the world are declining. At Ocean Divers we are always looking at what we do and how we can minimize our impact on the underwater environment that we love so much. We operate a reduce, reuse and recycle policy for all waste we generate as well as organizing and conducting beach cleanups getting other local Koh Lanta businesses involved. All recyclable materials are brought to the local recycling center and we use collection means that produce no additional rubbish. After we collect data, it is submitted to Project Aware‘s Dive Against Debris data which support’s the development of coordinated policies and strategies to establish and improve waste management policies. Read and see more about our efforts at the Ocean Diver’s Blog and Gallery.
We follow the guidelines for divers, snorkelers and underwater photographers set down by Project Aware, PADI’s environmental arm and ask all of our divers to follow some simple rules, the most important of which is a strict “no touch” policy. We don’t stroke the lionfish, pull a leopard shark’s tail and turtles are not underwater sea scooters! For more information about simple steps we can all follow to help protect the fragile marine eco-system please read some of Project Aware’s guidelines available to download here.
Another huge impact on our seas is the proliferation of shark finning operations worldwide. Please help these beautiful creatures by boycotting any restaurant or shop that serves shark fin soup or other shark products and support conservation and protection efforts, including signing the Project Aware Shark Petition. For more info check out Shark Guardian, a non-profit organization for shark conservation focusing on education at all levels. Delivering a unique presentation that includes brilliant media combined with stimulating information on the subject to dive centres, resorts, international schools and national environmental conferences worldwide.
Ocean Divers also offers several different specialty courses in environmentally based subject areas that are available to divers and non divers alike. Project Aware Foundation is the scuba diving industry’s leading nonprofit environmental organisation dedicated to conserving the aquatic environment through education, advocacy and action. Besides completing the Project AWARE Specialist course, you can become a partner in the efforts to preserve the underwater environment. You learn about:
- The Ocean Commons and Coastal Zone Issues
- Fisheries Challenges and Sustainability
- Coral Environment Overview and Inhabitants
- The Role of the Scuba Diver in Protecting Aquatic Environments
The AWARE Coral Reef Conservation Specialty course teaches you about the vital role of coral reefs in the marine environment and familiarizes you with the current state of the world’s coral reefs and how you can help. You will learn about the Project Aware Foundation and:
- How Coral Reefs Function
- Why They are So Important
- Why Many Reefs are in Serious Trouble
- What You Can Do to Prevent Further Decline
The Shark Awareness Diver Distinctive Specialty course was developed by the founder of Shark Guardian and focuses on shark conservation, education, supporting shark conservation efforts. It is available to everyone and certified divers can opt for 2-3 scuba dives focusing on shark encounters at local Koh Lanta dive sites. For more more information download the Shark Guardian Fact Sheet. During the course you will learn about the Shark Guardian organisation as well as:
- Myths and Facts About Sharks
- Role of Sharks in the Eco-System
- Dangers Sharks Face Due to Destructive Human Practices
- What You Can Do to Help Sharks
Go back to Scuba Diving Koh Lanta with Ocean Divers.