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…
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…
We’re as guilty as the next surfer for taking our breaks for granted. They’re our playgrounds – firing up one day and flat the next, but always with another swell on the horizon. But the reality is, surf breaks are delicate coastal systems shaped by geology, tides, sand movement and the overall health of marine…
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…
Plastic pollution is one of the most visible and destructive threats facing our oceans today. From floating bottles and ghost fishing nets to microplastics embedded in coral reefs, plastic waste has reached even the most remote dive sites on the planet. As international divers, we’ve seen the issue of plastic pollution around the globe –…
If you’re a diver or snorkeller, you don’t need reminding that coral reefs are among the most magnificent places on Earth. The colours, the abundance, the movement – it’s hypnotic at times! But coral reefs are also among the most fragile ecosystems on our planet and human actions are a threat. As dive tourism grows…
As surfers, we are intimately connected to the ocean – its rhythms, its wildlife and its health. Because of this relationship, many of us are looking for meaningful ways to protect the marine environments we love. One of the simplest and most impactful ways we can do this is by joining citizen science projects. These…
If you’ve spent time underwater (as a diver or snorkeller), you’ve probably noticed something: not all sites are beacons of health. Some reefs appear vibrant and full of life, while others show signs of stress – broken coral, few fish or algae-covered rocks. One of the biggest factors shaping the health of our oceans is…
Understand the environmental impacts of diving and sustainable scuba practices in this comprehensive guide to eco-friendly diving. Any diver will tell you that being underwater is an incredible experience. It’s a world that not everyone has the opportunity to explore and the encounters we have with marine creatures can be life-changing. Watching manta rays soar…