News
Microbeads to be scrubbed out at last?

The Marine Conservation Society (MCS) says it is delighted to hear that the UK Government is considering a ban on the use of microbeads in cosmetics and other products following many years of campaigning by MCS, their partners and supporters.
The Environment Minister Rory Stewart told the Commons last week: “If we cannot get a common position out of the European Union, we are open to the possibility of the UK acting unilaterally.” This followed a call for a possible EU-wide ban by the European Commission, made by Caroline Bearder MEP, that narrowly failed to achieve sufficient support from MEPs.
Carrie Hume, MCS Director of Conservation and Campaigns says: “MCS wholeheartedly welcomes this announcement. It is timely and shows leadership on the government’s part. Given how clear and alarming the evidence is, the UK can and should lead the way.”
Over more than twenty years, MCS has gathered data that illustrates the nature of the growing quantities of litter that are accumulating in our seas.
The charity has run public awareness campaigns, such as Scrub It Out, detailing how plastics have entered the seas and giving the public, industry and government the tools to reduce this.
MCS has spent many years of advocacy across the UK and at EU level, to influence policies on plastics where they are damaging the seas.
MCS has worked with a range of key players, most recently directly working with and through Greenpeace, Fauna and Flora International, Beat the Microbead and the Enviornmental Investigation Agency to secure a ban on the inclusion of microbeads in personal care products.
Carrie Hume continues: “This is a great step, which recognises the power of the coalition we are working in, and the supporters we all represent who demand these harmful ingredients be taken out.”
To find out more about the Marine Conservation Society visit www.mcsuk.org.
News
PADI and Scuba Diving Magazine Seek Incredible Underwater Photographs in Annual Photo Competition

Scuba Diving® magazine’s 21st annual Through Your Lens photo contest is underway and accepting images that highlight the incredible underwater world.
“Entering our Through Your Lens Photo Contest isn’t just about winning,” says Candice Landau, Content Director for Scuba Diving magazine. “It’s about beginning the journey of putting your work out there, sharing your unique perspective and realising just how much impact your images can have. With categories for all levels, including an amateur category specifically for newcomers, there’s a real chance to get noticed and inspire positive ocean change.”
“This year we decided to bring back a couple of tried-and-tested categories, as well as add two new ones. In total, photographers will be able to submit to five different categories: wide angle, macro, split shot, amateur, and cold water,” Landau says.
Scuba Diving has confirmed the return of highly esteemed underwater photographers Brandon Cole, Kate Jonker, Suzan Meldonian and Alex Mustard to assist as guest judges. Entry is free, and photographers can submit up to five entries per category.
The grand prize winner will receive a $1,000 USD cash prize and a weeklong liveaboard trip aboard the Komodo Aggressor. First-place winners for each specified category will receive an Aggressor Adventures liveaboard trip; second-place winners will receive a Scubapro regulator; and third-place winners will receive a SeaLife SportDiver S smartphone housing. Two winners in the Amateur category will receive a liveaboard trip from All Star Liveaboards. Select winners will also be given the opportunity to have their photos featured on PADI certification cards.
Past winners of the annual competition include colorful images of alpine newts on water lilies in Belgium, divers finning through a submerged Slovak opal mine, and an eye-to-eye encounter with a dwarf minke whale on the Great Barrier Reef.
“This contest is a chance to celebrate the artistry and passion of underwater photographers at every level. It brings the underwater world to the surface for everyone to see, and it’s always amazing to witness the creativity, dedication, and stories that these images tell,” says Landau. “It’s not just about taking a beautiful picture, it’s about capturing a moment that inspires others to dive, explore, and protect the ocean. Every submission helps us tell the story of the underwater world and why it matters.”
All winners and honourable mentions will be published in the September/October 2025 Photo Issue of Scuba Diving magazine, with the cover featuring one of the contest entries. Entries are open now until July 7, 2025 on scubadiving.com/photocontest.
About Scuba Diving Magazine
United in our passion for diving and the world beneath the surface. Scuba Diving is an inclusive print and digital forum to learn about, connect on and fuel a shared passion for underwater exploration. Our enthusiasm for the sport of diving, the stunning places we experience, the incredible marine encounters, and our purpose-driven commitment to ocean change keeps us connected and inspires one another to seek adventure and save the ocean. The ultimate, trusted source, we deliver expert insights on gear, safety, training, local diving, travel and dive professions – because, as divers ourselves, we care deeply about the same topics. Whether we dive once a year or for a living, we’re a single community of ocean lovers constantly encouraging those new to diving to join us.
About PADI
PADI® (Professional Association of Diving Instructors®) 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. Issuing more than 1 million certifications each year, and with over 30 million certifications to date, PADI enables people around the world to seek adventure and save the ocean through underwater education, life-changing experiences and travel. For over 50 years, PADI is undeniably The Way the World Learns to Dive®, maintaining its high standards for dive training, safety and customer service, monitored for worldwide consistency and quality. With a longstanding commitment to environmental conservation, PADI is leading the way for millions of people to actively explore, steward and protect the ocean through its course offerings and partnerships with like-minded, mission-driven organisations. PADI embodies a global commitment to ocean health with its mission to create a billion torchbearers to explore and protect the ocean. Seek Adventure. Save the Ocean.SM
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