Divers take action as survey shows how they're suffering
Divers for Climate
Pressures continue for some of Australia’s top dive locations and predictions of another record-breaking summer of marine heatwaves has divers from across the country coming together to sound the alarm and take action.
Widespread bleaching events over both Western Australia and the Great Barrier Reef took their toll and South Australia’s dive industry is still navigating the harmful algal bloom which has devastated the industry there.
Now, non-profit organisation, Divers for Climate, has released results from the first-ever national survey of divers’ experiences with climate change, conducted by researchers from the University of Queensland, RMIT, the University of Tasmania, and the University of North Carolina, launching their Summer of Solidarity campaign, which show divers are not just concerned but their livelihoods are taking critical hits too.
The survey found that 91 per cent of divers across Australia have directly experienced the impacts of climate change underwater with respondents describing impacts from coral bleaching, changes in species, extreme weather conditions, flood impacts, algal blooms and increasing water temperatures, among others.
Many report negative consequences to their emotional, physical, and cultural wellbeing, and 50 per cent report impacted income, property or costs, with 12 per cent reporting severe financial effects.
The survey found that 83 per cent of divers are concerned about fossil fuel related activities that contribute to climate change and directly affect oceans (e.g: oil drilling, gas extraction, oil spills) and over 90 per cent support more urgent and ambitious government policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
“Tourism is one of Australia’s largest marine industries, and this summer is going to be tough,’’ said Dr Yolanda Waters, CEO and founder of Divers for Climate.
“Our survey shows that divers are already seeing dramatic changes underwater and dive businesses are under pressure across the country. But we also see an opportunity to come together.
“This campaign is about solidarity, support, and building the momentum needed to drive real change for our oceans.”
Divers for Climate is taking action, launching the Summer of Solidarity to turn findings into action, and respond to the growing sense of concern felt within the diving community.
“This is more than a campaign. It’s a signal that the dive community is united, informed, and moving forward together,” said Becky Evers, Communications Director.
“We see so much magic under the surface that is worth fighting for.”
Bubbling through November 2025 to February 2026, the campaign will amplify the voices of divers across Australia through events, digital storytelling, and a closing Snorkel Out for Climate celebration in March 2026 during Sydney Climate Action Week. The campaign will also raise $50,000 to bring a delegation of divers directly into Parliament, wetsuits on, and build momentum with 5,000 signatures on a National Diver Statement - sharing frontline stories, calling for stronger climate leadership, and driving ongoing political engagement through 2026.
“The people that care and are likely to be affected aren't the type to sit in an office or deal much in politics.” Alex Blake, Dive Instructor, Dive Bondi “But I guess it’s time we change that”.
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