A diver glides over an expanse of bone-white coral branches, recording the fish that dart between the ghostly arms extending from the sea floor off the Thai island of Koh Tao. Nannalin Pornprasertsom is one of a growing number of scuba divers learning conservation and citizen science techniques as coral reefs experience a fourth global bleaching event. After a two-week course in Koh Tao, the 14-year-old can identify coral types, carry out reef restoration, and help scientific research on coral health by recording the color and tone of outcroppings at dive sites.
“It’s just something that I can do that will have a good consequence for the environment,” Nannalin, who has been diving since she was 12, told AFP after a series of dives. “I want to help the reef.” And she is not alone.
The Professional Association of Diving Instructors — better known as PADI, one of the world’s leading dive training organizations — says conservation certifications jumped over six percent globally from 2021-2023. This year, it is launching a major shark and ray census, harnessing its network of divers to collect data that will shape protection policies. On Koh Tao, Black Turtle Dive offers courses on everything from how to properly “dive against debris” — collecting marine plastic or stranded fishing nets — to coral restoration techniques.
“There’s an increased awareness,” said Steve Minks, a certified conservation instructor at Black Turtle. “There’s a lot of bleac.