PADI has teamed up with National Geographic Pristine Seas to study the benefits of protecting diving sites around the world. The research shows that fully protected marine areas (MPAs) could add $2.7 billion to the scuba diving industry by increasing the number of dives and allowing divers to pay access fees. Currently, only 15% of dive sites are fully protected, but increasing MPAs could lead to a 32% rise in dive numbers. This initiative aligns with PADI’s goal to protect 30% of the ocean by 2030, which supports both marine life and local economies.