The fashion industry has long been influenced by aquatic themes, with ocean iconography, from the classic submariner silhouette to vintage dive flags, consistently serving as inspiration. Beyond aesthetic influence, a profound connection to marine culture inspires countless individuals. It is within this spirit that two significant entities in the ocean world—Costaand the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI)—have formally united their efforts. This collaboration aims to share knowledge and implement impactful solutions, initiating with established programs such as the PADI AWARE Foundation and Costa’s Kick Plastic initiative. This alliance signifies a crucial step toward broadening community engagement in ocean health discussions through innovative and thoughtful approaches.
About Costa
Costa is recognized as a premier performance eyewear brand within the aquatic community. The brand has cultivated a dedicated following for its performance eyewear innovations, including its patented 580 polarization technology. Costa also maintains organic connections with leading athletes and conservationists in the outdoor industry, notably Rachel Moore, Gádor Muntaner, and Kimi Werner. Their focus extends beyond eyewear to a broader commitment to ocean health, exemplified by their initiatives.
About PADI
PADI, an acronym for the Professional Association of Diving Instructors, operates on a global scale with 6,600 dive centers and more than 137,000 active members worldwide. These members work tirelessly towards ocean research and conservation efforts. Metaphorically, PADI is revered as “the ocean’s spiritual guardians”. For years, PADI and Costa have shared informal collaborations and interests, which have now solidified into a formal partnership driven by a mutual objective of water conservation and sustainability.
The Partnership’s Goals and Tangible Initiatives
Both organizations contribute concrete conservation efforts to this new alliance. The PADI AWARE Foundation is a key component of their joint initiatives, as is Costa’s Kick Plastic program. A standout example of their commitment to sustainability is Costa’s Untangled Collection. Through this program, Costa and its partners at Bureo incentivize commercial anglers across eight countries to donate their used fishing nets. These discarded nets are then repurposed into Costa eyewear frames. Since 2018, more than 3.6 metric tons of used fishing nets have been transformed for Costa’s Untangled Collection of eyewear. This initiative directly links product development with environmental purpose.
Empowering Individual Engagement in Ocean Conservation
Inspired by this powerful partnership, individuals are encouraged to take an active role in ocean conservation.
Becoming scuba certified is a straightforward process facilitated by PADI. Prospective divers can begin by visiting the PADI website to locate a local dive shop, which will guide them through the PADI Open Water Diver course. Following certification, the Dive Against Debris course is recommended as a subsequent step, offering a direct opportunity to explore the ocean while contributing to critical research and conservation efforts focused on reef protection.
Investing in high-quality items designed for longevity is paramount for promoting sustainability. Costa, for instance, puts a specific focus on making high-quality and reliable equipment built to last and survive the elements. The Untangled Collection exemplifies this commitment by utilizing responsibly sourced and repurposed materials. By choosing durable goods, consumers contribute to reducing waste and the demand for new resources.
In a significant new collaboration, Costa is joining forces with the Professional Association of Diving Instructors PADI®.Local fishing, diving, and general outdoor shops are frequently managed by passionate adventurers who share strong interests in conservation and community building. While initiating participation in these sports might seem daunting, individuals within these communities are typically welcoming and eager to assist newcomers. Moreover, these establishments often serve as hubs for discovering specialized gear and connecting with like-minded individuals. Notable examples include Pan Aqua Diving, Brooklyn Fishing Club, and The Almeda Club. Engaging with these local communities can provide valuable insights and opportunities for participation in conservation efforts.
Finally, adhering to the principle of “leave it better than you found it” is a fundamental practice. When visiting coastal areas, carrying a reusable bag for a mini beach cleanup—collecting any encountered litter—is a simple yet effective action. Encouraging peers to adopt similar habits further amplifies the positive impact. Every small contribution plays a part in fostering a healthier marine environment.
