PADI has launched a global shark and ray census alongside a new speciality course, developed in partnership with Swiss watchmaker Blancpain.
The launch forms part of PADI’s 60th anniversary celebrations and its ongoing partnership with Blancpain, a founding partner of the Global Shark & Ray Census and a partner of PADI’s ‘Blueprint for Ocean Action‘.
With nearly one-third of shark and ray species facing an increased risk of extinction due to overfishing, habitat loss and trade, the new initiatives aim to increase both the monitoring of shark and ray populations and expand diver participation in their conservation.
‘We’re extremely proud of the role we’ve played in advancing global marine protection efforts, and we are thrilled to be collaborating with PADI and its global community of divers to drive further impact,’ said Marc A Hayek, President & CEO of Blancpain.
New shark and ray conservation course
The PADI Shark & Ray Conservation Specialty Course is designed to provide divers with training in species identification, threats to populations, conservation measures and responsible interaction practices.
The course, which is open to scuba divers, freedivers and mermaids, involves knowledge development sessions and a training dive focused on citizen science-based data collection and reporting. A non-diver programme is also available.
‘Sharks and rays need more awareness and more action at scale,’ said Kristin Valette Wirth, global brand & membership officer for PADI Worldwide.
‘By combining classic PADI education with real-world participation, we’re giving the global community clear, meaningful ways to protect the species they care about most.
‘This is what it looks like when adventure, purpose and impact come together.’
Global shark & ray census
The Global Shark & Ray Census, in part sponsored by Blancpain, has been developed with James Cook University based in Queensland, Australia, and will collect diver-submitted data for shark and ray sightings worldwide.
Divers will log observations across Important Shark & Ray Areas (ISRAs) and Adopt the Blue sites, with data used to identify species distribution, track population trends, and support conservation planning.
Submissions will be made through the PADI AWARE app and Conservation Action Portal, including details such as location, conditions, species identification and behaviour. PADI said approved data will be displayed on a global map, with sensitive location details withheld.
‘Scuba divers are in the water every day, capturing information in real time,’ said Valette Wirth. ‘The Global Shark & Ray Census will help us understand where these animals are, and where they are not, so protection efforts can be targeted where they are needed most.’
Expansion of the world’s largest citizen science programme
The Global Shark & Ray Census expands PADI’s existing citizen science programmes, which already include the AWARE Biodiversity Survey and flagship Dive Against Debris initiative, which has generated more than 2.6 million data points on marine pollution since its launch in 2011
‘Citizen science becomes transformational when it’s part of the everyday diving experience,’ said Valette Wirth. ‘Divers aren’t just witnessing change, they’re documenting it and helping drive solutions.’
‘PADI is using this initiative to unite divers, dive centres, and ocean advocates globally to protect these species where it matters most, and our partner Blancpain continues to play a critical role in making our mission to save the ocean a reality,’ added Valette Wirth.
‘As PADI marks its 60th anniversary, we are more motivated than ever to continue to work with like-minded partners like Blancpain and unite the world in seeking adventure and saving the ocean together.
‘When people feel connected to the ocean, they are inspired to protect it. Every debris survey submitted, every biodiversity observation recorded, and every shark or ray sighting logged contributes to a growing body of knowledge that helps scientists, policymakers, and local communities make better decisions for the ocean’s future.’
For more information about the PADI Shark & Ray Conservation Course, the AWARE Biodiversity Survey, and the Global Shark & Ray Census, visit padi.com/aware/sharks.
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