The ocean is at a critical crossroads, facing threats from climate change, pollution, overfishing, and habitat destruction. As a marine conservationist, you have the power to make a real impact in protecting marine ecosystems. But what does it actually take to work in marine conservation? And how can scuba divers play a role?
Across the world, passionate individuals are leading the way—scientists, photographers, advocates, and explorers—all using their skills to safeguard our oceans. Whether you dream of studying marine life, restoring coral reefs, or educating others about ocean conservation, there are many paths to becoming a marine conservationist.
Here, we highlight inspiring divers who are making a difference and show how you, too, can take action to protect our blue planet.
Photo by Yanguang Lan on Unsplash
Why Marine Conservation Needs You
The oceans cover over 70% of our planet, yet they face growing threats that put marine life, coastal communities, and global ecosystems at risk. Plastic pollution, climate change, overfishing, and habitat destruction have led to declining fish populations, degraded coral reefs, and an increase in endangered marine species.
This is where marine conservationists come in. Their work spans research, policy, education, and hands-on restoration projects to protect marine ecosystems and ensure a sustainable future for our oceans.
But you don’t have to be a scientist to get involved. As a scuba diver, you already have a deep connection to the ocean—and many divers have turned their passion into meaningful conservation work. Let’s meet some of the divers working in marine conservation.
Meet the Marine Conservationists Making a Difference
From scientists to community leaders, these people are using their skills to create positive change for our oceans.
1. Amanda Horn (Canada)
Amanda Horn is a Canadian SSI Divemaster, brand marketing strategist, and entrepreneur dedicated to ocean advocacy. She founded Loless Blue Beauty, a sustainable shave and body care brand focused on using less water, plastic, and waste. The company also promotes ocean literacy through the “Bodies of Water” podcast.
Amanda’s journey into marine conservation began after a career in wine marketing. Seeking purpose, she traveled to Indonesia, where she became a professional scuba diver, guiding other divers, marine biologists, and conservationists.
Amanda’s work exemplifies how skills in marketing and business can be leveraged to promote marine conservation and sustainable practices.
2. Andi Cross (USA)
Andi Cross is a growth strategist, writer, and professional scuba diver with over 15 years of experience in building and launching impact-driven businesses. She is the founder of WILDPALM, a growth strategy consultancy that assists startups and scale-ups in sharing their impact with the world.
Andi also co-founded the Edges of Earth Expedition, a 24-month journey to some of the world’s most remote dive destinations. The expedition aims to share positive stories of individuals dedicated to restoring and protecting our planet, focusing on how people and the environment can successfully coexist. In each destination, they collaborate with local communities, scientists, and conservationists to highlight ocean conservation successes and promote conscious exploration.
3. Miranda Bowman (Mexico)
Miranda Bowman is an SSI Instructor Trainer and Ambassador based in Mexico. Her professional diving journey began with a Divemaster role in Mexico, where she discovered the cenotes, sparking a profound passion for cave diving.
Over the years, Miranda has advanced through various levels of dive training, culminating in her current position as an Instructor Trainer and an SSI Ambassador.
Miranda actively promotes safe diving practices and the exploration of caves and cenotes, inspiring others to appreciate and protect these unique ecosystems. Her journey from Divemaster to Instructor Trainer exemplifies her passion for diving and dedication to marine conservation.
4. Marco Mancini (Italy)
Marco Mancini is a scuba and freediving instructor, technical diver, and underwater content creator with a deep passion for marine exploration. His love for the sea began at an early age and eventually turned into his full-time profession. Today, he shares his experiences through diving instruction, content creation, and consulting for dive centers.
As a qualified trimix diver, Marco specializes in technical diving and enjoys documenting his underwater adventures. His work blends exploration with education, aiming to inspire respect and protection of the ocean through storytelling and visuals. His social media presence allows him to share the beauty of marine environments with a global audience.
5. Golshid Delavartorbehbar (Iran / Australia)
Golshid Delavartorbehbar is an accomplished architect and scuba instructor, serving as an Assistant Instructor Trainer and Ambassador for SSI. Born in Iran and currently based in Australia, she holds a Master’s degree in Bionic Architecture, blending principles of biology with architectural design.
Golshid’s unique combination of architectural expertise and diving education allows her to contribute meaningfully to marine conservation efforts, fostering a deeper understanding of the intricate relationship between built environments and natural ecosystems.
6. Adam Moore (Western Australia)
Adam Moore is a professional diver from Western Australia and an SSI Ambassador. He serves as the Logistics, Equipment, and Safety Lead for the Edges of Earth Expedition, a two-year global journey dedicated to climate storytelling and ocean conservation.
As a long-time lifesaver and an avid surfer, Adam’s connection to the ocean has been a lifelong journey.Professionally, he spent ten years as an accountant, enabling him to transform ambitious ideas into reality for both small and large-scale operations.
7. Kathryn Curzon (New Zealand)
Kathryn Curzon is a New Zealand-based digital marketer, marine conservationist, author, and wildlife illustrator. With 13 years of experience in professional communications management and marcomms strategy, she works with nonprofits and eco-conscious businesses worldwide.
Through her multifaceted career, Kathryn combines her skills in writing, digital marketing, art, and public speaking to promote marine conservation and sustainability.
Kathryn co-founded Friends for Sharks, an organization dedicated to raising global awareness about the importance of shark conservation. She organized and completed a 10-month global speaking and conservation workshop tour, delivering 87 events across eight countries to over 7,000 people.
How You Can Become a Marine Conservationist
If you’re inspired by these marine conservationists and the diversity of their skills, you may be wondering: How can I get involved? Marine conservation offers a wide range of opportunities, whether you’re looking for a career shift or want to contribute as a diver.
1. Take a Marine Conservation Course
Expanding your knowledge is a great first step. SSI offers several conservation-focused courses, including:
- Manta & Ray Ecology – Learn about ray biology, behavior, and conservation efforts.
- Shark Ecology – Understand the role of sharks in ecosystems and how to protect them.
- Marine Ecology – Explore how marine ecosystems function and how divers can help.
- Sea Turtle Ecology – Discover sea turtle species, life cycles, and conservation strategies.
- Coral Identification – Learn to recognize coral types and contribute to reef conservation.
These SSI Ecology courses equip you with the skills to actively support marine conservation and they can all be completed online.
Photo by Brian Yurasits on Unsplash
2. Volunteer for Marine Conservation Projects
Many conservation projects rely on divers to assist with data collection, habitat restoration, and ocean cleanups. Organizations like Reef Check, Reef Life Survey, Coral Cay Conservation, and Projects Abroad offer divers opportunities to actively participate in marine conservation efforts. Volunteering gives you hands-on experience and valuable industry connections.
3. Support Sustainable Diving and Ecotourism
Every choice you make as a diver—where you dive, who you dive with, and how you interact with marine life—shapes the future of ocean conservation. By choosing eco-friendly dive centers that follow sustainable practices and reduce plastic waste, you help protect marine environments.
Always follow sustainable diving guidelines and support Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). By diving in these designated marine reserves, you contribute to conservation funding and the protection of biodiversity.
Even the decisions you make on land, such as choosing sustainable seafood, play a role in preserving marine life and maintaining healthy ocean ecosystems.
4. Use Your Skills to Advocate for Marine Conservation
Not all marine conservationists work underwater—many advocate for ocean conservation through education, storytelling, and policy work. Underwater photographers and videographers play a crucial role in documenting marine life and conservation challenges, bringing awareness to a global audience.
Writers, bloggers, artists, and journalists share conservation messages through articles, books, and online platforms. Public speakers and educators inspire others through workshops and presentations, making complex conservation issues accessible to wider audiences.
Those involved in policy and advocacy work help drive legislative changes that protect marine environments, while social media activists use digital platforms to spread awareness and engage the public in conservation efforts.
Whatever your expertise, there is a way you can help!
Becoming a marine conservationist isn’t about having the perfect qualifications—it’s about knowing your unique skills and what your passions are, and then using them to create positive change.
The divers in this article prove that conservation takes many forms—whether through research, education, restoration, or storytelling. Every effort counts, and every diver can make a difference.
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