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Marine Life & Conservation

8 Ways to Clean Up Your Act + Our Planet with PADI

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This Earth Day – and every day – we are celebrating our blue planet. And although we all know this, the data is shocking when it comes to just how much we’ve collectively put our planet at risk – especially when it comes to polluting the 70% of the planet that gives us life!

Did you know that on average, we ingest about one credit card worth of plastic a week primarily through water source pollution, according to a 2019 Australia’s University of Newcastle study.

In recent years we’ve grown more aware of the invisible plastic problem, with particles found in locations as remote as the Arctic and Antarctic Oceans. Plastic is in our water, soil and the air we breathe. But it’s in the ocean that they find their way into our food systems. It is now estimated for every pound of phyto-plankton, there are 6 pounds of plastic in the ocean. And last week, scientists identified the first microplastics in human blood.

PADI is on a mission to unite a billion torchbearers committed to saving the ocean. So this Earth Day, PADI presents 8 ways you can take action to protect our watery earth:

1. CHANGE YOUR BUYING DECISIONS + FORGET DISPOSABLE FASHION

Every buying decision you make has the power to change the world a little, and you should be aware of this. It’s how you start wielding that power for good. Right now, it’s estimated that fibers are, by count, the single largest contributor to watershed plastic pollution in developed countries. Synthetic fibers produce microplastics when washed. Since over 60% of fabric produced by the textiles industry in 2020 was polyester, that translates into 1.7 million tons of microfibers are released into the ocean every year!

Did you know that one fleece jacket could shed up to 250,000 pieces per garment per wash. New York City, alone, could has 6.8 billion microfibers flowing into its harbor every day. The problem is so severe the State of California just dedicated $3 million dollars to addressing it.

TOP TIP: Reconsider your fashion decisions and buy sustainable, organic materials. Check out these great long-term options from PADI Gear.

2. TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT SEA GRASS! EVERY BLADE COUNTS…

Photo: Shuttershock

As seawater flows through seagrass meadows, sediment and particles suspended in the water column become trapped too. This means cleaner, filtered oceans – the natural way. Without seagrass, sediments are more frequently stirred up which decreases visibility, and there is nothing to stop land-based industrial discharge or storm water runoff from washing right onto delicate ecosystems.

Seagrasses occupy 0.1% of the seafloor, yet are responsible for 11% of the organic carbon buried in the ocean, helping mitigate the effects of ocean acidification on our coral reefs. Blue carbon ecosystems keep our coral reefs healthy in another important way too; by providing the foundations of life in our oceans.

Scientists estimate that at the current rate, we lose a seagrass meadow the size of a soccer field every 20 minutes. If more action is not taken immediately to restore these vital habitats, most may be lost within 20 years.

TOP TIP: PADI has partnered with The Ocean Foundation to support The SeaGrass Grow Program, empowering you to mitigate the carbon from your next holiday. You can donate to the program every time you book a trip with PADI Travel.

3. CLEAN UP YOUR ACT!

Of the 8.3 billion metric tons of plastic we’ve collectively manufactured date, it is estimated only nine percent has ever been recycled. Approximately 11 million metric tons of this plastic end up in the ocean every year, with this number expected to triple by 2040.

According to National Geographic, 73% of all beach litter is plastic. Whats more, 90% of plastic polluting our oceans is carried by just 10 rivers.

One of the easiest ways to help waterways in your local area is to dispose properly of trash and also pick up any trash you find. With most land-based debris eventually making its way to the water, simply picking up litter anywhere in your neighborhood will make a difference. It doesn’t matter how near or far you may be from a lake, river, or beach.

PADI has partnered with The Ocean Cleanup to tackle our global ocean plastic pollution. Together, the organizations are mobilizing divers at a local level to take action for global impact. This partnership pairs The Ocean Cleanup’s advanced technologies with the passion of the global dive community to inform ocean-friendly waste management policies in countries worldwide through data collection.

TOP TIP: You can join in on the efforts of PADI and The Ocean Cleanup too. Whether you choose to organize a formal clean up or simply pick up what you find, you’ll know that you’re making a direct positive impact on the health of the environment around you.

4. REDUCE SINGLE USE PLASTIC

Photo: Shuttershock

These past few years of pandemic have been especially hard on all of us – including the plastic. What was considered taboo and even banned in some places was reintroduced and re-accepted as the norm to ensure we were staying germ free. Plastic bags, take out containers, plastic straws and utensils and plastic wrap all found their way back into many of our lives and homes.

We’ve learned a lot – and it’s time to regroup.  Be conscious of limiting the amount of single-use plastic wherever possible. The next time you order out, be conscious of not taking plastic straws, cups or utensils with you for that takeaway meal and use your own at home. Stop using plastic bags, plastic wrap and single use items – there’s plenty of other options from biodegradable materials to silicone to beeswax wraps. It’s time to give our waterways a break.

TOP TIP: PADI loves the idea of replacing plastic with single use items that offer a lot more benefits than reusability!

5. LEARN TO DIVE (OR MERMAID!) + BECOME AN UNDERWATER TRASH COLLECTOR

Did you know that the majority of divers have also appointed themselves as ocean trash collectors? PADI Divers have the unique ability to physically remove and report marine debris beneath the surface. The PADI AWARE Foundation launched Dive Against Debris over a decade ago and since then more than 30,000 divers in over 50 countries have taken part in removing plastic from our oceans.

This Earth Day, PADI AWARE is celebrating the removal of the 2,000,000 pieces of debris from waters around the world, and is launching a new Dive Against Debris® eLearning product – meaning you can begin your certification from anywhere in the world!

Don’t have a desire to dive? No problem. PADI also offers mermaid courses. Our PADI Mermaid Team also hosts “Tails that Thrash Trash” events to put those magical moments to good use.

If you are already a diver or mermaid, you can take the all new and just launched PADI Specialty courses authored by PADI AWARE help divers lead action on marine debris prevention. For more than 25 years PADI AWARE has been uniting water enthusiasts across the globe. Earning a PADI AWARE Dive Against Debris specialty, you’ll learn more valuable and easy ways to take meaningful action to help safeguard waterways you love.

TOP TIP: There is no better reason to become a PADI Open Water Diver than the fact that once you are certified you can have a literal hands-on role in saving the ocean and helping eliminate a side of plastic from our food menu once and for all.

6. MAKE YOUR VOICE + VOTE COUNT

Photo: Cristina Mittermeier

Every voice and every vote can make a difference. Support legislation that protects our blue planet, make your voting decisions carefully and sign petitions that ensure politicians hear your voice!

Two of the world’s most respected marine-focused organizations – PADI® and SeaLegacy – have joined forces to accelerate much-needed ocean protection. The first initiative of this multi-year collaboration kicks off this month, with a grassroots campaign developed to spark immediate and meaningful change for our blue planet.

The goal of the PADI and SeaLegacy 30×30 campaign is to urge world leaders to adopt the 30X30 target, calling for conservation of “at least 30% of sea areas globally through effective, equitably managed, ecologically representative and well-connected systems of protected areas.” PADI and SeaLegacy will be pushing for an agreement to be reached at the UN Biodiversity COP15 in the third quarter of 2022 in Kunming, China.

To sign the petition, visit only.one/ocean30. To learn more about the SeaLegacy and PADI partnership, and ways to get involved, visit padi.com/conservation.

7. KEEP MICROPLASTICS OUT OF YOUR LOCAL WATERWAYS ON LAUNDRY DAY

Microplastics (teeny tiny pieces of plastic) have become a huge global issue polluting freshwater and saltwater waterways around the world. Scientists have found that washing clothes is one of the primary sources of microplastics that end up in the ocean. With every wash, plastic fibers shed from synthetic fabrics are making their way from washing machines into the water.

One way to keep plastic microfibers out of your local waterways is to incorporate clothing made from natural, non-synthetic materials into your wardrobe as much as possible. But for those items you already have, you can institute a simple change to washing to ensure that you can achieve up to 86% fewer fibers shed from synthetic textiles.

TOP TIP: For whatever clothes, bedding, and towels you have that are made from synthetic materials – meet Cora Ball and Guppyfriend!

Cora Ball is a laundry ball inspired by coral. Just toss the Cora Ball into your washer before each cycle to collect and dispose of synthetic microfibers properly. Cora Balls are made from 100% recycled plastic and are 100% recyclable. If 10% of US households alone use a Cora Ball, we can keep the plastic equivalent of over 30 million water bottles from washing into our public waterways every year

Guppyfriend is a washing bag developed by ocean-lovers inspired to find solutions to microfiber pollution. Just fill the Guppyfriend Washing Bag half-full with synthetic clothing, zip closed, and wash to collect and dispose of microfibers.

8. GIVE PLASTIC A NEW LIFE

Making small changes on an individual level can collectively result in big change for our blue planet. Where possible, choose recycled plastic products. From sunglasses to outdoor furniture and dog collars to running shoes, there are so many options when it comes to purchasing items made of recycled plastic.

To make finding these products easier than ever, PADI has created an ocean-first marketplace that amplifies your ability to make a positive impact. PADI Gear offers the items you need – made out of materials that result in real change. From face masks made of recycled ocean plastic, to rash guards made of retired fishing nets, to towels spun from ocean bound plastic – through product sales, PADI has already removed more than 58,600 pounds of plastic from our waterways – that’s more than 1.8 million plastic bottles.

Join PADI in living every day like it’s Earth Day!

PADI  is the world’s largest ocean exploration and diver organisation, operating in 186 countries and territories, with a global network of more than 6,600 dive centres and resorts and over 128,000 professional members worldwide. PADI embodies a global commitment to ocean health and enables people around the world to seek adventure and save the ocean through underwater education, life-changing experiences and travel. Find out more at www.PADI.com

Marine Life & Conservation

12 Days of Zero-Waste Fish-mas

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marine conservation society

This holiday period, the Marine Conservation Society, the UK’s leading ocean membership charity, invites you to make some simple changes to eating fish this Christmas to help our seas.

Dr Kenneth Bodles, Head of Fisheries and Aquaculture at the Marine Conservation Society, said, “During the festive season, our consumption increases, but so does waste. Sustainability isn’t just about where food comes from – it’s also about how you use it. By reducing waste and making the most out of your seafood, you’re not only taking steps to be more ocean-friendly, but can also help to cut costs during what is often one of the most expensive times of the year”.

The Marine Conservation Society has compiled twelve tips on how to consume seafood sustainably with zero-waste this Christmas:

Buy whole fish instead of fillets

Instead of fillets, consider buying whole fish such as salmon, hake, or lemon sole. By adopting a “nose to tail” approach with cooking, whole-baked fish not only feeds a crowd, but also helps to minimise waste and maximise sustainability by using up every part of the animal, including bones, skin, and fat.

Make fish stock

Leftover fish bones or shells can be put to good use by boiling them to make a nourishing fish stock or bisque. This can be frozen and preserved for later use and makes for a flavourful base in a soup.

Make your own fish pâté

Avoid waste by turning leftover fish, such as smoked mackerel or salmon, into a delicious pâté by blending with cream cheese and lemon. Perfect when paired with crackers.

The sustainability of salmon and mackerel varies depending on where and how it is caught or farmed. For more information on green-rated options, check the charity’s Good Fish Guide.

Buy frozen

By purchasing seafood that is frozen or vacuum-packed, this helps to reduce waste by extending the shelf life of your food.

Fish pie

If you’re wondering what to do with leftover cooked fish, why not opt for a classic fish pie with mashed potatoes, leeks, and a cheesy sauce? A sure crowd pleaser on Boxing Day.

Use the head

Don’t forget the fish head! The meat is incredibly tender and flavourful. The charity recommends a cod’s head curry or recreating Fallow’s renowned cod’s head in siracha butter.

By stretching your ingredients further, not only is this a more sustainable way to enjoy seafood, but also cost-effective by repurposing leftovers and cooking creatively.

Boxing Day brunch

Mix leftover kippers or smoked salmon with scrambled eggs for a tasty, zero-waste, Boxing Day brunch.

For best choice, make sure you buy kippers, or herring, from the North Sea and the North Irish Sea.

Zero-waste storage

A top tip from the Marine Conservation Society to avoid waste is freezing fish offcuts to save for future use.

Crisp up the skin

Even leftover fish skin can be turned into a quick savoury snack by crisping it up in an air fryer with a little olive oil and salt.

Anchovies two ways

Leftover anchovies can either be blended with butter to make a delicious anchovy butter or tossed into pasta for a hit of umami flavour.

The charity recommends opting for anchovies caught in the Bay of Biscay for best choice.

Fishcakes

For an easy, zero-waste meal, leftover seafood trimmings can be mixed with mash and fried in breadcrumbs to make fishcakes.

Pickled mussels

Try pickling mussels in 1:1 vinegar and water, with a dash of sugar for a sustainable, zero-waste snack that can be enjoyed well beyond the festive season.

Mussels farmed in the UK are a seafood superhero. Grown using low-impact methods and harvested by hand, they get all the food they need from the sea around them. This makes them one of the most sustainable, ocean-friendly, and cost-effective seafood options.

Players of People’s Postcode Lottery have raised £6.6M towards the Marine Conservation Society’s vital work in making seafood more sustainable.

Laura Chow, Head of Charities at People’s Postcode Lottery, said: “Fish is a festive favourite for many, but making sustainable choices when it comes to how we buy and eat seafood makes all the difference for our ocean. Support from players of People’s Postcode Lottery has helped the Marine Conservation Society further its sustainable seafood work, so that we can all enjoy healthier, better protected seas.”

The Marine Conservation Society encourages you to make sustainable seafood choices a year-round habit, not just for Christmas. To check how sustainable the seafood on your plate is, you can visit the charity’s Good Fish Guide. The Guide helps consumers and businesses identify the most sustainable seafood using a simple traffic light system, based on where and how species are caught or farmed. Green is the best choice, amber means improvements are needed, and red indicates fish to avoid buying.

Zero-waste gift idea

Why not embrace a zero-waste Christmas by gifting a membership to support marine conservation? It’s a meaningful, low-waste gift that helps protect our ocean for generations to come. Memberships start from as little as £5 a month – the price of a sandwich and drink from your local coffee shop.

Find the latest sustainable seafood advice for wild-caught and farmed seafood on the Good Fish Guide, downloadable to your phone from www.mcsuk.org/goodfishguide.

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Marine Life & Conservation

Shark Trust launches Oceanic 31 Shark Art Auction

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After a two-year tour of UK art galleries, community spaces and aquariums, the Shark Trust’s acclaimed Oceanic31 exhibition takes its final bow at the Royal Geographical Society later this month. And the unique collection of artwork, depicting 31 species of oceanic sharks and rays, donated by 31 artists, is now open for bids from art lovers and shark enthusiasts. The online auction, launched today, will close on the 7th December at 8pm (BST). The money raised will support the Shark Trust Oceanics Programme.

People can now bid on 27 of the artworks by visiting this website:

https://superstars-auctions.com/sharktrustauction

It is a chance to own a beautiful piece of original art and to support the Shark Trust. The timing of the auction also means that these would make a very special Christmas gift for any shark-lover.

The diversity of pieces mirrors that of the sharks and rays they represent. You can bid on paintings, digital creations, sculptures, mixed media and more. You can pick your favourite artist or species of shark. Or you can select the perfect artwork to make a statement in your home or office. Whichever you choose, you will be supporting the work to protect these amazing animals.

One of the pieces of art has been selected to be auctioned live by Steve Backshall at the For the Love of Sharks event at the Royal Geographical Society in London on the 29th November. In addition to this, two further pieces will be raffled at this event, giving people a chance to win an incredible piece of shark art. For the Love of Sharks is the Shark Trust’s flagship evening. A night to celebrate sharks. Steve Backshall is the headline speaker at this event that will see other prominent shark advocates join him on stage.

Tickets for the event can be snapped up here:

https://thesharktrust.org.uk/Event/flos24

Those that would like to see the Oceanic 31 exhibition have one final chance. It is being displayed at the Pavilion at the Royal Geographic Society from 26th November until the 7th December. Entry is free.

Find out more here:

https://www.rgs.org/events/upcoming-events/oceanic-31

 Paul Cox, Shark Trust CEO, Said “This exhibition has given us the opportunity to reach out to a new audience. And inspire more people with the wonderful sharks and rays on which our Big Shark Pledge campaign is based. We are immensely grateful to the 31 artists who have worked so hard to create these works.”

Bid for your favourite Oceanic 31 artwork here:
https://superstars-auctions.com/sharktrustauction


Banner Image: Smooth Hammerhead by Alicia Hayden

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