Become an eco-active diver: 10 concrete actions to protect the oceans

Becoming an Eco-Active Diver: 10 Practical Actions to Protect the Oceans

LONGITUDE 181 Association – www.longitude181.org – contact@longitude181.org

Introduction: The Eco-Active Diver, an ocean ambassador

Scuba diving offers privileged access to a world that is both vibrant and exceptionally fragile. It’s a sensory adventure where the silence of weightlessness reveals the unsuspected richness of aquatic life. However, this exploration must not be just a pastime; it carries a duty of preservation and ongoing commitment. A diver should not be a passive observer; they must become an “eco-active diver,” a true ambassador of the oceans. This transformation involves a set of actions, from technical mastery to community engagement, to ensure these fragile ecosystems remain treasures for future generations. This report outlines ten fundamental actions to make the shift from passion to action.

Essential Documentation for Adopting the Right Practices

Eco-Responsible Diver Charter Poster / Printable Charter
FFESSM Eco-Gestures Booklet
FFESSM Sustainable Development Guide
Responsible Freediver Charter

Action 1: Master Your Buoyancy – The Fundamental Act of Respect

Buoyancy control is the most crucial skill for environmentally respectful diving. A diver with neutral and controlled buoyancy moves through the water without touching the seabed or marine organisms. On the other hand, drifting or uncontrolled movement can have devastating consequences, damaging corals and sponges that take decades to recover. Poorly secured equipment can also snag on marine life, causing unintended harm.

Achieving perfect buoyancy is not only a conservation measure; it is also a key aspect of diver safety and efficiency. Proper buoyancy reduces effort, conserves air, and extends dive time. Key techniques include precise weight adjustment, breath control (deep inhalation to rise slightly, slow exhalation to descend), and constant gear adjustments to prevent hoses from dragging. Specialized training courses such as SSI Perfect Buoyancy help hone these essential skills. Safety and environmental protection go hand in hand: a more competent diver leaves a lighter ecological footprint.

Action 2: Strictly Respect Marine Life and Its Habitat

Marine ecosystems are extremely fragile, and their preservation depends on adhering to a few golden rules. First and foremost: never touch or disturb marine life. Even the slightest contact with coral can cause irreversible damage, and many creatures are stressed by human interaction. It is equally essential not to remove anything from the underwater environment. Collecting shells or coral fragments, even if dead, deprives the ecosystem of vital resources for regeneration. The rule is: take only pictures.

Artificially feeding wildlife is another practice to be completely avoided. Though some dive clubs offer it, it disrupts the animals’ natural behavior and is inherently harmful. Underwater photography should also be approached with care; excessive use of flash can stress nocturnal species. Respect for marine life stems from understanding it. Divers are encouraged to learn about the species they may encounter and the local rules before diving. Tools like DORIS, developed by FFESSM, help identify marine species found in French waters. This knowledge turns divers into conscious observers who can act responsibly.

Action 3: Choose Eco-Designed and Durable Equipment

The diving industry is increasingly shifting toward sustainable production. Eco-active divers can support this transition by choosing eco-designed gear. Neoprene, the main material in wetsuits, is traditionally petroleum-based. Alternatives like Scubapro’s X-Foam, made from limestone, are now available. This material is petroleum-free and meets strict standards regarding polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Aqualung and Scubapro also use Carbo Black, made from pyrolyzed used tires, reducing $CO_2$ emissions (from 200 g to 2.2 kg per wetsuit).

Beyond neoprene, other innovations include inner linings made from recycled plastic bottles, reducing $CO_2$ emissions by 79% compared to conventional polyester. PVC is also being replaced by less harmful polyurethane in diving bags. Brands like Mares have even redesigned packaging using reusable mesh bags, cardboard, or sugarcane pulp that biodegrades in 90 days. Moreover, maintaining and repairing gear are essential eco-actions that extend lifespan and reduce the carbon footprint of production and transport. Purchasing becomes a powerful act that supports companies invested in sustainability, pushing the entire industry to innovate.

Action 4: Use Reef-Friendly Personal Care Products

The personal products used by divers, especially sunscreens, can have a direct and harmful impact on marine ecosystems. Many sunscreens contain chemical filters like oxybenzone and octinoxate, which are toxic to coral reefs. In 2018, the island nation of Palau became the first to ban these products to protect its reefs, highlighting the need for safer alternatives and consumer awareness.

Eco-active divers choose “reef-safe” sunscreens that use mineral filters (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) and are usually free of nanoparticles to avoid ingestion by marine life. Brands like Sun Bum, All Good, and Aveeno offer such alternatives. Even better, wearing sun-protective clothing such as rash guards reduces the need for sunscreen altogether. When made from recycled polyester, these garments also contribute to ocean conservation. By choosing reef-safe products, divers send a strong message to the market and support regulatory changes, proving that consumer demand can drive meaningful change.

Action 5: Choose and Support Environmentally Committed Dive Centers

Choosing a dive club is one of the most impactful actions a diver can take, as it directly influences local environmental practices. Eco-active divers favor centers that demonstrate concrete conservation efforts. These centers avoid harmful practices like fish feeding and use mooring buoys instead of anchors, limit group sizes on sensitive sites, and share boat trips to reduce fuel use.

Look for recognized certifications like the PADI Eco Center or Green Star Award. These labels are based on external audits by groups such as the Reef-World Foundation in partnership with the United Nations Environment Programme. Certified centers are evaluated on water conservation, waste management, sustainable materials, and conservation leadership. Choosing such a center encourages the entire industry to adopt sustainable practices, creating a positive feedback loop. Guides like Longitude 181 also list eco-responsible dive centers.

Action 6: Take Part in the Fight Against Marine Pollution

Marine pollution is one of the most visible threats to our oceans. Every dive is an opportunity to make a difference. Picking up even a single piece of litter is commendable, but eco-active divers can do more by using mesh bags to collect underwater debris proactively.

Participating in organized clean-up events amplifies the impact. Groups like Surfrider Foundation Europe host “Ocean Initiatives,” including beach and underwater clean-ups. These often partner with local dive centers. Citizen science programs like Dive Against Debris from the PADI AWARE Foundation add scientific value by collecting data on marine debris, which contributes to research and policy change. Studies like those from CSIRO use this data to influence global waste management strategies, turning individual efforts into systemic change.

Action 7: Participate in Citizen Science

Divers are uniquely positioned to observe and collect data for marine science. Citizen science enables non-scientists to contribute directly to marine ecosystem research, turning divers from spectators into key contributors to knowledge and conservation. In France, several programs welcome diver involvement.

The DORIS project by FFESSM is a collaborative platform where divers and naturalists submit species photos and descriptions. BioObs by Longitude 181 collects data on species observed during dives. Fish & Click from Ifremer tracks lost fishing gear, aiding pollution mapping. RAGO (Réseau Alien Grand Ouest) involves divers in monitoring invasive marine species. Through these projects, divers help scientists collect data on a scale otherwise impossible, transforming their passion into a force for science.

Table 4: Citizen Science Programs for Divers in France

Action 8: Support Marine Conservation Organizations

Beyond individual action, eco-active divers can expand their impact by supporting organizations working to protect oceans on a larger scale. Two main models exist: science-based advocacy and direct action.

The PADI AWARE Foundation operates as a non-profit mobilizing the world's largest network of divers for locally driven, globally relevant action. Programs like Dive Against Debris, Adopt the Blue, and the Community Grant Program combine citizen science with education to influence marine policy.

Sea Shepherd, by contrast, takes direct action to protect marine life and combat illegal fishing. Their teams and ships intercept poachers and document illegal practices. Divers can support their missions through donations or by volunteering. Whether one supports policy-driven organizations like PADI AWARE or action-based groups like Sea Shepherd, every contribution matters. Even buying eco-branded merchandise supports awareness and funding.

Action 9: Practice Eco-Gestures Daily – On Land and Sea

Eco-active diving goes beyond the dive itself. It’s a lifestyle guided by responsible habits both on the water and on land, as outlined in charters by FFESSM and Longitude 181.

On boats, ensure lightweight items like bags or bottles don’t blow overboard. All trash should be sorted and recycled back on land. Freshwater conservation is vital, especially when rinsing gear. Avoid using non-biodegradable soap to put on wetsuits. Consider carpooling to dive sites to reduce your carbon footprint. Daily choices like buying local and seasonal products reinforce ocean protection as a holistic lifestyle, not a one-time action.

Action 10: Educate and Inspire the Next Generation of Divers

One of the most powerful roles an eco-active diver can play is that of mentor and ocean ambassador. With experience, they can educate others and promote exemplary behavior within their community. Sharing knowledge and values ensures that passion for the ocean is paired with responsibility.

Documenting the underwater world is key to raising awareness. By “taking only images,” divers bear visual witness to both the beauty and fragility of marine life. Sharing these moments online or at events connects the general public to an often-invisible world. Professional divers like Pierre Frolla teach young generations about eco-responsibility. Certified instructors are now trained to pass on both technical skills and environmental values, attracting young people to diving with a purpose. By becoming educators, eco-active divers ensure long-term conservation by inspiring a new wave of conscious ocean lovers.

From Passion to Action: The Future of the Oceans Is in Your Hands

Becoming an eco-active diver is a logical progression, from personal technical mastery to broader community and systemic involvement. The ten actions outlined—from buoyancy control to supporting conservation organizations—are not mere suggestions but a real action plan for transforming passion into impact. Each choice, whether it’s sunscreen, dive centers, or science participation, has a cumulative effect.

The power of this commitment lies in the fact that every diver can contribute meaningfully. Picking up trash becomes data. Buying eco-gear drives industry change. Sharing dive experiences inspires future generations. Diving is a privilege that comes with great responsibility. By integrating these actions into their practice and daily life, divers can become true guardians of the "other world," ensuring it thrives for generations to come.