PADI, the world’s largest diving organisation, has unveiled two major initiatives aimed at conserving vulnerable shark and ray species. The Global Shark & Ray Census and the PADI Shark & Ray Conservation Speciality Course were launched on 23 April 2026, providing divers with tools to monitor and protect these species, nearly one-third of which face extinction risks due to overfishing and habitat loss.
The initiatives are supported by Blancpain and James Cook University, reflecting a commitment to ocean conservation through science and education. Marc A. Hayek, President & CEO of Blancpain, expressed pride in the collaboration, stating, “We’re extremely proud of the role we’ve played in advancing global marine protection efforts.”
The new PADI course aims to educate divers on the value of sharks and rays, threats they face, and effective conservation measures. It combines digital learning with practical training dives, enabling divers to contribute as citizen scientists by collecting data to inform conservation policies.
The Global Shark & Ray Census, a partnership with James Cook University and Blancpain, allows divers to log sightings and generate data to identify priority species and habitats. Kristin Valette Wirth, PADI’s Chief Brand and Membership Officer, highlighted the importance of the initiative: “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 it is needed most.”
As PADI celebrates its 60th anniversary, these initiatives underscore its longstanding commitment to ocean conservation, aiming to unite divers worldwide in protecting marine ecosystems
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