The Ocean Conservation Administration Partners with the "Coral Special Diving Alliance" to Promote Coral-Friendly Actions, Making Diving More Meaningful

In 2024, coral reef ecosystems around the world are facing a severe coral bleaching crisis, with reports of bleaching events of varying degrees emerging from across Taiwan. This year, the Ocean Conservation Administration (OCA) established the Coral Special Diving Alliance, rallying 20 dive operators to join the cause. In addition to monitoring coral reef ecosystems in waters surrounding Taiwan, the alliance has integrated coral reef ecology into dive travel education, making diving a more meaningful experience!

We are delighted to have had the opportunity this year to interview two dive operators: Moana, located at Longdong on the Northeast Coast, and CTdiver in Kenting. Through the perspective of seasoned instructors, they share the fruitful results of their efforts this year in promoting "coral-friendly reef actions"!

Everyone Falls in Love with the Sea for Different Reasons

Authorized and provided by Moana Scuba Diving Studio and CTdiver

Instructor Raccoon (上圖左 / top left) is one of the owners of Moana, a dive shop in northern Taiwan. Unlike most dive instructors interviewed, he stumbled into the deep blue quite by accident! During his university years, he majored in mass communication, only to find the industry's prospects less than promising. At a crossroads, a junior classmate invited him to try diving — and that experience reignited his love for the ocean. His fascination with marine life had begun in childhood through books and aquariums, and this passion gave him the courage to step into the diving world, launching an entirely new journey.

Coral Bleaching Unexpectedly Sparks Reflection on the Environment and the Human Heart

2024 is considered the year of coral bleaching. Our observations in Kenting show that the intervals between bleaching events have shortened in recent years. While some areas still have coral in good condition, in shallow-water zones, the bleaching rate is as high as 70%. Behind this phenomenon, beyond climate-change-driven ocean warming, human activities such as ocean acidification and coastal development have further compounded coral mortality.

CTdiver Head Instructor Tony

Instructor Tony believes that, as dive instructors who make their living from the sea, witnessing such dramatic changes in marine ecosystems is heartbreaking. We see the natural environment deteriorating rapidly, yet we also know that recovery is painfully slow — in the long run, the future of the ocean environment may be bleak. We believe that through legislation and improved policies, it is possible to effectively reduce human interference and thereby protect marine ecosystems.

CTdiver Head Instructor Tony (上圖右 / top right), based in Kenting in southern Taiwan, embodies the story of a life transformed by the ocean. Once employed in the technology industry, he made the career switch out of a deep love for nature. Although a dive instructor's income may be far lower than that of a tech professional, he believes that quality of life and personal fulfillment matter far more. The appeal of this work — whether it is the stillness of being underwater or the joy of sharing diving with students — is a kind of happiness that no amount of money can measure.

As Instructor Raccoon became a dive instructor, he developed a deeper understanding of marine ecosystems — especially after personally observing coral bleaching. He noted that certain coral species are particularly susceptible to bleaching under high water temperatures, which undermines ecological biodiversity. Whenever he witnesses coral decline, a wave of sadness washes over him.

During a dive trip to the Maldives, he was stunned by the extent of coral reef damage — a shock that was not merely visual, but deeply psychological. He found that many tourists were entirely indifferent to such environmental changes, leaving him feeling isolated and helpless. He hopes that more people will come to understand the condition of our oceans and the stories behind them.

Promoting Sustainable Tourism to Draw More Attention to Ocean Issues

During one eco-dive activity this year, after hearing our explanation, a diving guest broke into tears upon realizing the plight of the ocean anew. That kind of emotional resonance was deeply moving to me.

Moana Instructor Raccoon

This year, the Ocean Conservation Administration launched a coral reef ecology sustainable tourism program. The 20 participating operators actively took part — joining various in-person training courses organized by the OCA to strengthen their biological knowledge base, and taking concrete action to complete coral reef ecological monitoring in waters surrounding Taiwan.

Moana and CTdiver had already been working to integrate sustainable tourism into their dive instruction. This year, combining the OCA's instructor training and educational resources, they found themselves even better equipped to advance their sustainable tourism initiatives.

In the process of promoting coral-friendly reef actions, Instructor Raccoon came to see the work as more than just teaching — it is a profound connection to the land and the sea. The experience has rekindled his passion for diving and environmental protection, and he hopes to pass that passion on to more people.

Building Sound Policies So That Committed Operators Can Do Their Part for the Ocean

The voices of these dive instructors reflect a deep love for the ocean and a profound sense of responsibility. On this challenging path, they pursue not only their own dreams but also work toward a better future for the sea. Through education and practice, dive instructors hope to inspire greater public awareness of the marine environment, and to collaborate in building a sustainable future for dive travel.

Both instructors interviewed independently remarked at the end of their conversations that the spirit behind the OCA's 2024 "Coral Special Diving Alliance" initiative is remarkably innovative. They hope that the OCA will expand the program year by year to encompass a comprehensive certification mechanism, mentoring support, and training resources — so that legally compliant water activity operators have the opportunity to elevate their service quality and work together to advance ocean conservation advocacy.

Related Links

• Ocean Conservation Administration Official Website (Coral Special Diving Alliance)
• Moana Scuba Diving Studio
• CTdiver PADI Five-Star Scuba Diving Center

Further Reading