Training the next generation of kelp forest ecologists and restoration practitioners in SCUBA

Historically, SCUBA diving, including scientific diving, has been an exclusive endeavor that has primarily favored white people from privileged socio-economic backgrounds. Despite the ethnic, cultural and societal makeup of California, the proportion of professional SCUBA divers does not reflect our diverse society. This lack of diversity in an essential field, such as SCUBA, is consequential given the length of California’s shoreline and the diverse groups that interact with and depend on the ocean for food, recreation, and wellbeing. The ability to provide the necessary training for the next generation of California SCUBA diving professionals is imperative given the need to restore the state’s kelp forests and other marine habitats. Here we propose to develop a pathway, whereby students from diverse backgrounds will have the opportunity to go from little to no aquatic experience to advanced SCUBA diving.