AWARE Shark & Ray Conservation Specialty
Love sharks? Scared of sharks? Or do you just want to know more about them? Enroll in the newly updated AWARE Shark & Ray Conservation Specialty Course and discover the value of sharks to marine ecosystems and economies. This program bridges classroom education with real-world participation. You’ll learn about the unique threats facing these species, how to accurately identify different sharks and rays, and how to safely navigate encounters while collecting valuable data. You’ll also learn more about the causes of declining shark populations and the actions you can take to become a knowledgeable and passionate shark defender. By being informed, you can dispel misconceptions and act to protect sharks. Sharks need you!
Scroll down to read more about the course! We offer this course on demand, so contact us to discuss your options!
ALSO IMPORTANT! Before signing up for a class, please click here to read our terms and conditions regarding Course Cancellation and Rescheduling!
Availability: Contact us for booking information
With a third of all species threatened with extinction, sharks and rays are one of the most threatened groups of animals on the planet. Sharks are crucial to marine ecosystems, yet are in global decline. Learn about the value of sharks and the causes of the rapid loss of shark populations. The course may include one scuba dive or may be presented as a nondiving education program. This distinctive specialty course may be credited as an Adventure Dive toward your Advanced Open Water Diver certification; ask your instructor about earning credit.
What You Learn
- The conservation status of sharks, why they are unique and vulnerable, and the importance of healthy shark populations
- How to manage threats to sharks, recognize the value of sharks, and remove barriers to conservation
- Actions you can take to protect sharks and how joining a global movement of divers can help to protect sharks
- How to act as a citizen scientist and report your sightings using the AWARE Conservation Action Portal
The Global Shark & Ray Census
To combat this ocean emergency, PADI AWARE, in partnership with Blancpain – founding partner of PADI’s Blueprint for Ocean Action – is proud to introduce the Global Shark & Ray Census, a global citizen science program that aims to monitor shark and ray populations and to ensure they are protected from extinction.
Prerequisites
- PADI (Junior) Open Water Diver, PADI Freediver, or PADI Advanced Mermaid (or hold a qualifying certification from another training organization)
- 10 years or older
Required Paperwork
We'll be sending new students eLearning and a Smartwaiver to let you fill out all the required paperwork online. This will include a Medical Questionnaire which may require you to get a physician's approval prior to diving.
Your Next Adventure
As you learn more about sharks, you may also want to brush up on your underwater photography skills so that you can capture images of the species you’re encountering. This can be achieved via the PADI Digital Underwater Photographer Course.
For more information about this or other PADI courses, contact us anytime!
