Every dive is an opportunity, not just to explore our diverse ocean environments, but to contribute to ocean science. Around the world, recreational divers are helping researchers monitor coral bleaching, track shark populations, document marine debris and even identify new species. Imagine stumbling across a species that no one has ever seen before! Through citizen…
If you’ve never heard of “blue carbon”, you’re forgiven. It’s a term we’re just getting acquainted with too. But it’s at the centre of a conservation movement that is rapidly gaining momentum. It’s a movement we think is of particular interest to sustainably-minded surfers and divers. “Blue carbon” ecosystems – mangroves, seagrass meadows and coastal…
You don’t need a scuba certification to fall in love with the ocean. Snorkelling is an equally magnificent way to explore coral reefs, seagrass meadows and the marine life that calls them “home”. In fact, snorkelling is often a gateway to scuba diving. Or sometimes, it’s the destination. We all snorkelled long before we ever donned…
In recent decades, photography has become unbelievably accessible. Almost everyone carries a camera around with them everyday in the form of a smartphone. Technological improvements have also made underwater photography far more accessible, resulting in powerful images of a world that’s inaccessible to many. A single image of a healthy reef, a shark passing through…
Coral reefs support an extraordinary diversity of marine life, and as divers, being able to explore them is one of life’s great privileges. But coral reefs are also among the most threatened habitats on the planet. Pollution, destructive fishing practices and climate change-induced coral bleaching are all having a devastating impact. In response, coral nurseries…
For surfers and divers, the ocean isn’t just a destination. Often, it’s the reason we travel, full stop. But the very act of travelling across the globe to chase waves or incredible underwater experiences comes with an environmental cost. There’s the carbon footprint of air travel, the overdevelopment of coastlines for waterfront resorts and the…
Scuba diving connects us deeply with the ocean. And in our experience, the more you do it, the harder it becomes to remain naive about the threats our underwater ecosystems face. Climate change, agricultural runoff and plastic pollution are just the tip of the iceberg! But sometimes that threat is tourism itself – unregulated tourism…
If you’ve been on a dive liveaboard recently or stayed at a sustainable surf resort, you may have been advised to bring only “reef-safe sunscreen”. This request is often included in trip dossiers and/or mentioned by dive/surf guides before heading into the water. These days, there’s a consensus amongst the ocean-loving community that reef-safe sunscreen…
Sharks have roamed our oceans for more than 400 million years (yes, they’re older than dinosaurs). Today, there are more than 400 different species, ranging from tiny dwarf lantern sharks to predatory great whites and tiger sharks. Unfortunately, many face an uncertain future. This is due to habitat loss, bycatch and demand for shark fins,…
As surfers and divers, we experience the ocean in a deeply personal way. We see coral bleaching up close, notice changes in water quality and witness the impact of plastic pollution firsthand. So how can we use this first-hand knowledge and local insights for good? The reality is that you don’t need to be a…