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PADI Global Membership Contributes to Study That Indicates Revival of MPAs Would Bolster Billions for the Industry
Scientists, including those from National Geographic Pristine Seas, find scuba divers are willing to pay more to seek adventure in Marine Protected Areas, estimating an additional USD 2.7 billion spent per annum.
11 February 2025 – PADI®, the world’s largest scuba diving organisation, has been working with National Geographic Pristine Seas for the last three years to help identify the positive effects of protecting scuba diving sites around the world – which was recently published in new peer-reviewed research.
PADI’s global membership of 6,600 PADI Dive Centres and Resorts in over 180 countries helped National Geographic Pristine Seas assemble a database that estimated the number of scuba dives annually, the extent to which protection would increase biomass and biodiversity in an area, and a scuba diver’s willingness to pay access fees to dive in Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).
As a result, the study found that more fully protected dive sites would generate an estimated USD 2.7 billion in additional income globally for the scuba diving industry, most of which would come from access fees paid by divers directly to local communities. This additional protection would also help regenerate marine ecosystems and a new long-term income source for these coastal economies.
“Bottom line, ocean protection benefits marine life, coastal communities and businesses,” remarked Enric Sala, founder of National Geographic Pristine Seas. “Protecting diving sites from fishing and other damaging activities can generate new streams of income and benefit more people. It’s increasingly clear that efforts to protect 30% of the ocean by 2030 are even more beneficial than we thought.”
These research findings directly align with the goals of PADI’s Blueprint For Ocean Action– in which safeguarding recreational dive hotspots around the globe would deliver a host of benefits to tourists, local communities, and marine life. In 2022 PADI Iaunched an ambitious new initiative to establish the world’s largest network of conservation sites aimed at protecting ocean habitats and species threatened with extinction. Supported by Blancpain, founding partner of PADI’s MPA Program, the Adopt The Blue™ program activates a global network of dive sites across the planet to establish more Marine Protected Areas to regenerate local economies and coastlines.
“By PADI joining forces with like-minded global partners such as National Geographic Pristine Seas, we will exponentially increase our positive impact for saving the ocean,” said Dr. Drew Richardson, President & CEO of PADI. “With more marine protected areas, we can reinvigorate the diver experience and regenerate hope for the ocean; and with that comes more people who are inspired to explore the ocean and become Torchbearers to further advocate for safeguarding its future.”
Since 2008, National Geographic Pristine Seas has helped establish 29 of the largest MPAs in the world, covering a total area of 6.9 million square kilometers – more than twice the size of India. Their latest peer-reviewed research joins their resume of over 300 that have already been published.
“If you protect a marine area, more recreational divers will show up and they’ll pay more for the privilege of seeing sensational underwater life,” said Reniel Cabral, a Senior Lecturer at James Cook University and the study’s lead author. “Communities and businesses are leaving money on the table by overlooking the benefits of marine sanctuaries.”
Other key findings from the most recent study include:
- Some 33 million dives take place in the ocean each year, but only 15% of dive sites are fully protected from fishing and other destructive activities
- More MPAs estimated to increase the number of dives annually by 32% (10 million + more per year)
- Egypt, Thailand, and the US host the most scuba diving annually (est. USD 3 million annually)
- Indonesia, Egypt, and Australia host the most dives within MPA borders annually
- The Philippines, the US, and Indonesia would benefit the most economically from designating sanctuaries in popular diving spots.
- The Global South — host to some 62% of recreational dives — is poised to gain the most.
“The potential for the recreational diver industry to create positive ocean change is unparalleled,” continues Richardson. “As the only global community to have the superhero skills to descend beneath the surface and both connect with and help the marine world directly, there is a massive opportunity to change the way we all seek adventure. As the world’s largest scuba diving organisation, we can play a key part in reaching the global target of 30% protection by 2030 and enrich both ours and the ocean’s livelihood simultaneously.”
To help PADI advocate for the establishment of more MPAs, visit padi.com/aware/AdoptTheBlue
National Geographic Pristine Seas
Pristine Seas works with Indigenous and local communities, governments, and other partners to help protect vital places in the ocean using a unique combination of research, community engagement, policy work, and filmmaking. Since 2008, our program has conducted more than 45 expeditions around the world and helped establish 29 marine reserves, spanning more than 6.9 million square kilometers of ocean. Pristine Seas is part of the global non-profit, the National Geographic Society. Our mission is driven by science and filmmaking — we are fully independent from National Geographic publishing and its media arm.
About PADI
PADI® (Professional Association of Diving Instructors®) is the largest purpose-driven diving organisation with a global network of 6,600 dive centres and resorts, 128,000 professional members, and more than 30 million certified divers to date. Committed to our blue planet, PADI makes the wonder of the underwater world accessible to all, empowering people around the world to experience, explore and take meaningful action, as Ocean TorchbearersTM, to protect the world beneath the surface. For over 50 years, PADI is undeniably The Way the World Learns to Dive®, setting the standard for the highest quality dive training, underwater safety and conservation initiatives while evolving the sport of diving into a passionate lifestyle. For divers by divers, PADI is obsessed with transforming lives and, with its global foundation, PADI AWARETM, creating positive ocean change. Seek Adventure. Save the Ocean.SM www.padi.com
Papua Diving Resorts are the pioneers of sustainable tourism and diving in Raja Ampat. Our award-winning resorts are PADI Five Star and were the first exclusive dive resorts in the heart of the Dampier Strait. Where lush jungle meets clear, warm waters and the richest reefs on earth, let yourself embrace an escape like no other.
With over 30 years of operation in Raja Ampat and award-winning commitment to the people and environment of Papua, Papua Diving Resorts’ experience and impact are unrivalled. This makes us the natural choice for ocean enthusiasts.
Our founder, Max Ammer, has been diving and exploring Raja Ampat since 1990, discovering the dive sites the area is so famous for. Paying tribute to his family, Max named a few of the dive sites after his wife and children, including Melissa’s Garden and Mike’s Point, as well as coming up with quirky names like Chicken Reef and Sardine Reef because of his experiences while diving there for the first time.
Papua Diving Resorts is just a stone’s throw away from the famous Cape Kri, world record holder of most reef fish species counted on a single dive: 374 counted by ichthyologist Dr. Gerry Allen in 2012. In an interview, he said:
“One of my favorite places to dive in Raja Ampat is Cape Kri near Sorido Resort… I didn’t even have to look for fish. They found me! The survey was the highest species count I’ve ever tallied on one dive, 374 distinct species in 90 minutes!”
Photo: Anita Verde & Peter Marshall / Summits to Seas
Our dedicated team will make sure you see the best of Raja Ampat as we take you on incredible trips to the Fam Islands, Mushroom Islands and Manta points, just an hour away from our resorts. Experience Raja Ampat’s super reefs in a whole new light by joining the fluorescent dive and blackwater dives around Kri Island. Or simply enjoy a relaxing sunset and night dive where you can be sure to see the elusive mandarin fish and famous walking shark.
With Papua Diving Resorts, guests get the chance to experience the Last Paradise at the very first dive resort in the area. Here, qualified and experienced staff are committed to giving guests the best Raja Ampat has to offer through Papua Diving Resorts’ quality service, food, and excursions.
Photo: Renee Capazzola
OUR RESORTS
Papua Diving Resorts provides two world-class options to stay on Kri Island: the more traditional Kri Eco Resort, and upscaled boutique Sorido Bay Resort.
Sorido Bay Resort is our luxury boutique option
Perfect for those who want a touch of luxury, Sorido Bay Resort is a collection of 9 charming bungalows with spacious rooms and ensuites, each with Wi-Fi, AC and fan and a veranda that overlooks a vibrant house reef. The private resort faces the Papuan sunrise, basking the island in a warm glow for a beautiful day in Indonesia’s Crown Jewel. Indulge in community-style meals at the sea-view restaurant that overlooks the turquoise waters of the house reef and Sorido Blue Hole beyond. If you’re lucky, you might spot a pod of dolphins or even whales with your morning coffee or afternoon tea.
Photo: Don Silcock
Sorido Bay Resort also houses the world’s first Raja Ampat SEACAM Center (RASC), where you can take your underwater photography to a new level. Take advantage of yearly underwater photography workshops led by award winning SEACAM Ambassador, Don Silcock. The seven-day structured classroom and in-water workshop sessions will take you through specially curated dive sites, where you’ll put into practice the insights and techniques you’ve learned. At the RASC, you can also take advantage of our inventory of SEACAM gear and equipment and try them out for a dive.
For a few weeks throughout the year, SEACAM Ambassadors will also be available on-site at our resorts for any personalized guidance, according to your needs and equipment. Take the chance to troubleshoot any camera equipment technicalities or simply learn from the best in the industry through weekly presentations during your stay.
The resident SEACAM Ambassador program will commence in July 2025 with Don Silcock at Sorido Bay from July 6 to August 19, 2025. The program will expand in 2026 with regular visits by both Don and other SEACAM Ambassadors, so stay tuned!
Kri Eco Resort is where paradise meets sustainability
Looking out over the dark blue waters of the Dampier Strait and distant mountain ranges, Kri Eco Resort is a cluster of authentic Papuan-style water bungalows built from locally sourced materials with 3 room types to choose from—two of which have communal bathrooms. The 13 cottages come with Wi-Fi, electric fans for still nights, and direct access to Kri’s vibrant house reef. The over-water sun deck area faces the Papuan setting sun, creating the picture-perfect spot for bright orange sunsets. With a more in-touch-with-nature feel, Kri Eco Resort bungalows allow guests to fully enjoy the cool sea breeze and natural beauty paradise has to offer.
Regardless of where you stay, you can be sure to experience the rich biodiversity of Raja Ampat. Enjoy looking down from our jetty into the crystal-clear waters of the house reef, where you can spot stingrays, blacktip reef sharks, and turtles, and if you’re lucky even some dolphins and dugongs swimming by.
Photo: A.E. Lotak
The resort grounds are also rich with land creatures such as monitor lizards, cuscus, even kingfisher birds and sea eagles. Embrace your adventurous side and take a kayak out to the sandbar that appears during low tide, or a hike through the jungles that sit between the two resorts.
Photo: Luca Vaime
Wherever you choose to book with us, guests at Papua Diving Resorts can enjoy the community coming together through a shared passion, sharing stories with divers and adventurers alike during mealtimes and excursions.
CONSERVATION
By staying at Papua Diving Resorts, you become part of the effort to protect this beautiful yet fragile environment. From offering schooling and sustainable employment for indigenous people, to boosting shark populations, Papua Diving Resort’s aim is to leave this world better than we found it.
Providing education and training to the local indigenous Papuan villagers is a part of our mission at Papua Diving Resorts, through which they can take the skills and knowledge and apply it to their livelihoods.
Photo: David Doubilet
When Max arrived in Raja Ampat, he found a community that depended on shark and ray finning to provide for their families. To encourage a more sustainable approach to earning a living, Max employed and upskilled the locals through teaching them boatbuilding, woodworking and guiding guests to experience all that Paradise has to offer.
Creating partnerships with locals in the nearby villages, Max sought to provide one-of-a-kind guest experiences to see and photograph the Red and Wilson Bird of Paradise, seen only in Raja Ampat. Aligned with our mission at Papua Diving Resorts to protect nature and empower the local people, a portion of our proceeds go back to these local partnerships.
Photo: LHS
As leaders in conservation and pioneers of sustainable tourism and diving in Raja Ampat, Papua Diving Resorts offers guests an unforgettable opportunity to experience the best of Indonesia’s Crown Jewel. Located at the heart of the Dampier Strait, we invite you to explore the rich biodiversity of the area, both above and underwater.
Underwater Photography Workshops at the Raja Ampat SEACAM Center
July 20-26 & August 10-16, 2025
SEACAM Ambassador Don Silcock on-site at Sorido Bay Resort
July 6 – August 19, 2025
Reach out to our team to find out more about how the resident SEACAM Ambassadors can help you with your underwater photography skills and goals during your stay.
Photo: Anita Verde & Peter Marshall / Summits to Seas
SPECIAL OFFER
Receive a 10% discount when you book direct for stays during the period of June – September 2025
BOOK NOW
info@papua-diving.com
www.papua-diving.com
Photo: Scotty Graham
Main Image: Don Silcock
Take a closer look at one of Wakatobi Resort’s most valuable yet often overlooked marine inhabitants: the parrotfish.
Among the thousands of marine species found in Wakatobi’s waters, none are more prevalent than the parrotfish. This keystone species, a relative of the wrasses, plays a vital role in maintaining reef health and even creating the sandy beaches that line tropical shores. Without parrotfish, the balance of coral ecosystems would be disrupted, and beach formations would diminish. But before exploring their impact, it’s worth understanding what makes these creatures so fascinating.
Up to 35 species of parrotfish can be found on Wakatobi’s reefs, including the bumphead, known for it’s larger size, bulbous forehead, and exposed teeth plates. Photo by Wayne MacWilliams
Estimates suggest there are between 80 and 90 known species of parrotfish. Earlier classifications listed more than 300 varieties, largely due to the fish’s remarkable ability to change color, shape, and even sex throughout their lives. This trait has led to a diverse range of names, from the Midnight parrotfish (Scarus coelestinus) to the Rainbow parrotfish (Scarus guacamaia) and the Green Humphead parrotfish (Bolbometopon muricatum).
A juvenile bicolor parrotfish lounges on the reef. Photo by Christian Gloor
Coral Crunchers in Action
Wakatobi’s reefs are home to 35 parrotfish species, often spotted along the upper reef slopes or in nearby seagrass beds. Their name comes from their vivid colors and their fused teeth, which form a beak-like structure ideal for scraping algae from coral. Behind this dental armor lies a second set of molar-like teeth that grind coral fragments to extract tiny algae and polyps.
The sound of parrotfish crunching on coral is a common underwater soundtrack at Wakatobi. While algae are their primary food source, parrotfish also consume sponges, worms, and other small reef dwellers. The coral they ingest is ground into fine particles and later expelled as sand—helping to form the very beaches that make Wakatobi such a breathtaking destination.
A juvenile bicolor parrotfish lounges on the reef. Photo by Christian Gloor
Nature’s Sand Factories
Each parrotfish produces an estimated 10 ounces (280 grams) of sand per day, amounting to around 220 pounds (100 kilograms) per year. On reefs with healthy parrotfish populations, this adds up to approximately one ton of sand per acre annually. Beyond building beaches, the sand they produce creates habitats for burrowing animals and helps maintain reef equilibrium by preventing algae from overwhelming coral formations.
Global parrotfish populations are declining in some regions due to overfishing, but Wakatobi’s protected marine reserve ensures these essential reef caretakers thrive. The resort’s ongoing dedication to conservation has created a sanctuary where parrotfish and countless other marine species flourish.
A bumphead parrotfish munches away on corals. Photo by Werner Fiedler
Nighttime Secrets
Divers visiting Wakatobi are almost guaranteed to encounter parrotfish during every dive, ranging from small one-foot varieties to the four-foot bumphead parrotfish. Those who venture out at dusk may witness a unique behavior—parrotfish creating their mucous sleeping cocoons. This protective bubble is thought to mask the fish’s scent from predators and parasites, providing a fascinating spectacle for night divers.
Despite their commonplace appearance, parrotfish are anything but ordinary. On your next dive, take a moment to appreciate these industrious reef architects. Identifying their various species can be a rewarding challenge, and they always make engaging photo subjects. Most importantly, remember that the very beach beneath your feet owes much of its beauty to the unassuming parrotfish.
A school of longnose parrotfish grazes Wakatobi’s reef. The fish at the upper right is discharging sand. Photo by Rich Carey
For more information on exploring Wakatobi’s reefs, email office@wakatobi.com, visit wakatobi.com or follow Wakatobi Resort on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
Header Image: Erik Schlogl
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