PADI has galvanized itself to come to the Great Barrier Reef’s aid and help with conducting the Great Reef Census.
The research is aimed at generating a large amount of reconnaissance data and images from across the reef to allow scientists to better understand the health and state of the reef.
The collaboration between PADI and Citizens of the Great Barrier Reef resulted in the dive community generating a huge amount of data between October and December 2020. During that period, over 160 reefs were surveyed. A large volume of data and over 13,000 images were uploaded to the Great Reef Census platform for analysis.
Commenting about the effort, Citizens of the Great Barrier Reef CEO Andy Ridley said:
“As the impacts of climate change and other threats accelerate around the world, there is an urgent need to scale-up conservation efforts globally, which requires everyone to take part. The global dive community is in a unique position to support these efforts with the skills, passion and knowledge needed to support marine conservation efforts.”
PADI Worldwide Chief Brand and Membership Officer for Kristin Valette-Wirth said:
“Divers have long understood the value of citizen science and their unique ability to witness and report changes to underwater environments. Many of us may not be able to travel to or dive the reef right now but, regardless of circumstance, we can contribute to its future – and ultimately the future of other reef systems around the world.”
You can find out more about the Great Barrier Census here and Citizens of the Great Barrier Reef here.
