PADI scuba divers realize how important coral reefs are to their enjoyment of the underwater environment. The reef is to the ocean what the rainforest is to the land. It is home to one out of every four marine species and, like many other resources on our planet, it is treated. Project AWARE, a program that many PADI scuba divers support and participate in, is focused on preserving this resource through education and awareness.

If coral reefs are damaged or diminished, PADI scuba divers would miss seeing some of the most beautiful spots underwater. Yet, these reefs are being lost at an alarming rate. Having existed for over 200 million years, the reef ecosystems are among the oldest yet most productive ecosystems on the planet.

PADI scuba divers support Project AWARE, also, because the coral reefs provide support to local economies, fishing, human health, tourism and much more. With about 25% of the world's coral reefs already destroyed and a greater percentage damaged or being threatened, this irreplaceable resource could be lost completely in coming years.

PADI scuba divers involved with Project AWARE want to educate people in the causes of reef loss which include sedimentation, run-off from cropland and animal lots which contain contaminants, global warming, destructive fishing practices including lost or discarded nets, pollution, and coastal development.

It doesn't matter whether you are a PADI scuba diver or not, there are things you can do to help save the reefs so beloved by scuba enthusiasts. Avoid buying any object made from coral or any other endangered marine species. Provide your support to the establishment of protected areas that include coral reefs and provide strong support for proper protection and management of the reefs by providing donations, contacting your legislative representatives and helping increase awareness. Whenever you travel, select only those resorts and tour operations that properly treat sewage and all waste water so that the reef is not contaminated. Eat only seafood that is caught or famed without the use of destructive practices such as reef-killing poisons, illegal equipment and explosives. Do not purchase tropical wood furniture or any product created from wood that was obtained from the clear cutting of tropical forest lands because it causes silt to damage the reefs.

Practices followed by PADI scuba divers that you should also practice include navigating boats carefully to ensure that reefs are not damaged and that sea grass beds and underwater life are not harmed. Boat engine equipment should be properly maintained so that oil and gas do not leak into the water. When diving, use mooring buoys or drift diving rather than sinking an anchor into a coral reef and possibly causing damage.

When PADI scuba diving, make sure your buoyancy skills are developed so that you can keep your gauges and equipment from making contact with the coral reef. Never touch or stand on coral reefs and never collect any coral souvenirs. If you encounter a damaged coral reef, report it to the local dive shop or conservation group so that scientists can monitor the health of the area.

To learn more about conservation of coral reefs, you can attend an AWARE specialty course, taught by a PADI professional. There are several courses to choose from that include Project AWARE Specialty, Underwater Naturalist, AWARE-Fish Identification, Peak Performance Buoyancy, and AWARE-Coral Reef Conservation. You can locate an AWARE specialty course though your local PADI scuba dive center or online.