Our Co-Founder Tom Barber was at the premiere of Sir David's latest (and last) documentary, Ocean, and had this to say. 'As so often with Attenborough's wildlife and conservation films, Ocean can make for uncomfortable - and even at times distressing - viewing, but there is always an optimistic message.'
As a passionate team of ocean custodians, we're always encouraging travellers to get involved with ocean conservation. And who better to remind us of its necessity (and encapsulate the magic of diving) than Sir David himself: 'The first time I used scuba gear to dive on a coral reef, I was so taken aback by the spectacle before me, I forgot, momentarily, to breathe. Nothing I'd ever seen on land had come close to the sensory overload of so much life and so much diversity, right before my eyes.'
Feeling inspired? Protecting our oceans can take many forms, from monitoring whale sharks in Tanzania to planting corals in a rehabilitated reef in French Polynesia. Read on to discover our favourite ways to play your part…
Coral restoration
When it comes to ocean conservation, one of the best ways to do your bit is with coral restoration. And where better than in the Philippines - one of the most biodiverse places on earth? The country's Coral Triangle is a true marine hotspot, home to a whopping 30% of the world's coral reefs. Discover an underwater world teeming with flamboyant fish, sharks, rays, and turtles - the ideal classroom for completing your SSI coral identification course. Once you can tell your sea fans from sea sponges, you'll work with local marine biologists to plant new corals on the reef.
The crystalline waters surrounding beautiful Bora Bora, in French Polynesia, are another place where you can play your part in marine conservation. Here, you can learn all about the region's kaleidoscopic corals before helping to plant baby corals on a rehabilitated reef. You'll even receive updates about the progress of your coral contributions in the years to come. Pretty cool stuff.
Lend a hand to large species
While we love all marine species equally, there's no denying that graceful, gliding whale sharks are some of the ocean's most beautiful beasts. But how can you help this endangered species? On Mafia Island in Tanzania, you can learn all about the biology of whale sharks and ongoing local conservation efforts (with the help of some friendly marine biologists). The island is well-known for its migratory whale shark population that thrives in the plankton-rich waters - for scientists, it's nature's laboratory. You can help monitor these gentle giants on expedition trips, aiding experts with collecting data, cataloguing, tracking and photographing their unique spotted patterns.
If saving sharks is more up your street, then you can get involved with Project Hiu in Lombok, Indonesia. This ocean conservation initiative helps to support shark populations by employing former shark fishermen on snorkelling trips aboard re-purposed shark fishing boats. Join an excursion, and you'll not only see myriad marine life, but you'll also be contributing to sustainable local practices and supporting livelihoods. Sounds like a win-win situation to us.
Budding marine biologist training
Travelling with the next generation of ocean advocates in tow? There's no better way to consolidate their interests than with a marine biologist training program in the Maldives. Head to the Four Seasons in the beautiful Baa Atoll, and teens (aged 13-18) can take part in an immersive six-module program. From monitoring coral restoration and tracking dolphins to helping rehabilitate turtles and learning about aquaculture in the Fish Lab, there's a host of ongoing marine conservation projects to get involved with. In the words of Sir David, 'the ocean's power of regeneration is remarkable - if we just offer it the chance'. Couldn't have said it better ourselves.
Underwater safaris
If you've ever wanted to know more about the weird and wonderful creatures you encounter on a dive, how about embarking on an underwater safari? Led by an expert dive guide equipped with a microphone (you'll have earpieces), you'll be educated on the biology and habits of all kinds of creatures, as well as learning about the threats they face and how we can help. It's the perfect way to get close to the ocean's critters and highlight the need for human intervention. Whether you'd rather snorkel on a seahorse safari in Mozambique or dive alongside whitetip reef sharks and Napoleon wrasses in Pemba Island, ocean conservation has never been more enticing.
