We as snorkelers and divers spend a great deal of time in the water. As a result, we often are the first to see the short term and long term changes in the aquatic environment. This makes us uniquely qualified to bring to the world's attention the dangers that the underwater world faces. Of course, we also have a important responsibility to protect the aquatic environment whenever we interact with it.

These are some of the reasons why PADI started Project AWARE in 1989. Project AWARE, which stands for Aquatic World Awareness Responsibility and Education, is designed to engage snorkelers and divers in activities such as beach cleanups, establishing marine parks and protected areas, and pushing for legislative action to protect endangered marine habitats and species.

Aquatic Adventures is a strong supporter of Project AWARE. Every September we sponsor a beach cleanup in our local area. We also promote diver responsibility by teaching the PADI Underwater Naturalist and PADI Peak Performance Buoyancy courses on a regular basis. In addition, we also offer the Project AWARE courses listed below. For more information on Project AWARE or to find out how you can help protect the aquatic world, see the Project AWARE website at http://www.projectaware.org.

Project AWARE Courses

• Project AWARE
• AWARE Coral Reef Conservation
• AWARE — Fish Identification

The PADI Project AWARE course is designed to familiarize divers and non-divers with the plight of worldwide aquatic ecosystems. In this course, participants learn more about the role Project AWARE plays in protecting worldwide aquatic ecosystems. They also learn about the importance of, and the interdependent nature of, worldwide aquatic ecosystems. The course focuses on fisheries concerns, costal zone management, marine pollution, and what we can do to help conserve worldwide aquatic ecosystems. By completing the course knowledge reviews, participants may earn the Project AWARE Specialty certification.

Course date: April 5, 2008 (9:00 a.m.)
Prerequisites: None (No dives are required for this course.)
Location: Aquatic Adventures, Inc.
Course cost: Regular $60 per student.
Special Offer: $75 for Project AWARE and AWARE Coral Reef Conservation for April 5, 2008 only. Course fee includes certificates of completion card and $5 donation to Project AWARE. Books not included.

AWARE Coral Reef Conservation

The PADI AWARE Coral Reef Conservation course is designed for divers and non-divers who wish to learn more about the plight of the world's coral reefs. The course describes how coral reefs function and why they are so important. It also reviews why many reefs are in serious trouble and what individuals can do to prevent further decline. Participants will view the Protect the Living Reef video, and they will be guided through colorful, photo-filled lesson guides by their PADI instructor. By completing the course knowledge review, participants may earn the AWARE — Coral Reef Conservation Specialty certification. Divers completing this course are strongly encouraged to complete the PADI Peak Performance Buoyancy course as well.

Course date: April 5, 2008 (1:00 p.m.)
Prerequisites: None (No dives are required for this course.)
Location: Aquatic Adventures, Inc.
Course cost: Regular $60 per student.
Special Offer: $75 for Project AWARE and AWARE Coral Reef Conservation for April 5, 2008 only. Course fee includes certificates of completion card and $5 donation to Project AWARE. Books not included.

AWARE — Fish Identification

The AWARE — Fish Identification course is designed to introduce divers to the most common families and species of fish found in temperate and tropical waters. Divers learn basic fish identification and scientific surveying techniques. Through an overview of Project AWARE and other preservation and research efforts, such as the REEF Fish Survey Project, divers also learn the importance of personal involvement in aquatic environment conservation.

Course date: Email AAI for dates.
Prerequisites: PADI Open Water Diver or equivalent, 12 years of age
Location: Bonaire. (This course is restricted to international travelers only.)
Course cost: $45 per student. Course fee includes Project AWARE certification card and $5 donation to Project AWARE. Books not included.