Scuba divers

Scuba divers around the world are set to make a big splash during the week of April 22nd to show their appreciation for our ocean planet and raise funds to support aquatic conservation.

Enthusiasts from across the UK and abroad will be celebrating International Year of Biodiversity* and the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day*, a day designed to inspire awareness and appreciation for the Earth's environment.

Dive For Earth Day organiser Project AWARE Foundation, an international underwater conservation non profit organisation founded by the diver training organisation PADI, said: "What better way to celebrate International Year of Biodiversity 2010 than to dive during Earth Day and raise awareness of our p

80 percent of the world's biodiversity lives in the sea. Most people appreciate the beauty of the underwater world, but awareness of aquatic biodiversity, how seriously it is threatened, and the implications for human wellbeing, is alarmingly low.

Participants will be urged to monitor coral reefs and / or remove rubbish from the seabed. Suzanne Pleydell , Director Project AWARE Foundation (International), said it was one of the most important dates on the divers' calendar.

She added: "For eleven years, divers have been taking action during Earth Day to help the ocean adapt and become stronger in the face of challenges such as climate change. Humans are part of nature's rich diversity and we all have the power to protect it".

Dive For Earth Day events take place during the whole week of April 22nd. To get involved visit the charity's website at www.projectaware.org