Company Profile
Project AWARE
Company Overview
Project AWARE is a non-profit organization and a global force of divers working to protect the ocean planet in more than 175 countries and territories. The organization achieves its mission through direct conservation activities with divers and the dive industry, by actively working to develop and support conservation policies and legislation, and by engaging with science to solve ocean problems.
Project AWARE Foundation, located in Rancho Santa Margarita, California, is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit environmental organization dedicated to conserving underwater environments through education advocacy and action. In partnership with divers and water enthusiasts we are committed to protecting marine environments in 175 countries and territories of the world.
Company History
Originally formed in 1989 as an environmental initiative by the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI®), Project A.W.A.R.E. existed to increase environmental awareness through diver education. In 1992, with tremendous support from the dive community, Project AWARE Foundation was registered as an independent 501(c)3 nonprofit organization in the U.S. To further engage divers and activists around the world in conservation, Project AWARE became an established UK charity in 1999 and received formal nonprofit status in Australia in 2002.
For nearly 25 years, Project AWARE has grown and changed in response to emerging challenges facing the world’s underwater environments. Since 2011, we’ve focused on two top ocean issues where scuba divers are uniquely positioned to influence change – shark and ray conservation and marine debris. We have been successful in achieving major successes in protecting marine wildlife and fragile marine habitats through science, education, influence and community action.
Notable Accomplishments / Recognition
Project AWARE has achieved major successes in protecting marine wildlife and fragile marine habitats through science, education, influence and community action. Our global dive community has helped us secure a stronger EU finning ban, protect mantas under the Convention on Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) in 2011, extend CMS commitments to devil rays and other sharks in 2014 and in 2016, as well as bring about historic safeguards for highly traded shark and ray species under CITES in 2013. You’ve helped us raise awareness of the global marine debris crisis, rally support from volunteers taking action against trash and collecting data critically needed to supports our ongoing efforts towards finding long term solutions to the Ugly Journey of Our Trash. Your voice and your actions matter.
Today, Project AWARE empowers thousands of divers in more than 180 countries by providing them with the tools, resources and inspiration to take actions - large and small - that contribute to advancing the health of the ocean. Project AWARE is committed to bringing together a worldwide community of divers battling ocean threats where scuba divers are uniquely positioned to directly and positively affect real long-term change - marine debris and shark and ray protection.
Benefits
3 weeks vacation accrued per year
13 paid holidays
401k with match
9/80 flexible workweek
casual environment
on site gym and pool