Scuba divers have a natural affinity for environmental protection. We experience the underwater world in a way so few others do. We don’t just witness the wonders of our ocean, we participate, fully immersed in the experience. With a deep appreciation for our big blue planet, it’s inevitable that many of us are drawn to marine conservation. Project AWARE is proud to lead and empower a global movement of scuba divers around the world to engage in ocean protection. As part of our initiative in the fight against ocean trash, Adopt a Dive Site, Project AWARE’s dive volunteers are conducting monthly marine-debris surveys and other on-the-ground waste-reduction efforts in dive centers. It’s an effort that is helping to make an immediate positive impact on our underwater world. Join us as we celebrate the individuals who help power our movement.

Ian Craddock

Wimborne, Dorset, U.K.

Scuba diver since: 1998

Growing up on the south coast of England, Ian Craddock was always in or around the water. A scuba diver for more than half of his life, he’s witnessed firsthand the devastating impacts of marine debris on underwater habitats across Europe and the Middle East. Compelled to take action, Ian began working with a local university and its students on Dive Against Debris surveys in areas heavily impacted by debris. One of their first local sites was shrouded in a high volume of fishing nets, killing marine life and endangering divers. With their help, the site has been restored to its natural, debris-free state. The group also released some of the trapped wildlife and guided it to safety. Ian hopes to expand his efforts and inspire the local youth dive community to become involved in helping to keep Dorset’s English Channel waters clean and healthy.

What’s your favorite dive site?
The Pipeline at Shore Road, Poole, in Dorset, United Kingdom. The site entrance is from a very popular tourist beach, and most people believe that all that’s out there is sand. In fact, it’s a hidden gem. The pipe is a disused sewage outlet that has largely been filled with concrete. The area is a local haven for wildlife.

Why does the Pipeline need protection?
It’s located near one of the busiest beaches on the U.K.’s south coast and is an attraction for lots of fishing and watersports. With heavy human traffic, marine life is often more likely to suffer the impacts of marine debris, pollution and disrupted environments.

Strangest piece of trash found underwater?
A boat trailer — over a mile from the shore!

How do you adopt a dive site?
I conduct monthly Dive Against Debris surveys and also involve local youths. By educating these young divers, I’m able to help empower them to continue our work for years to come.