 It seems like the last eleven months have been an all out assault on any efforts to protect the environment and the oceans, at least from the US perspective. Stewardship for the planet has no voice in the current administration. Ocean stewards outside of the federal and many state governments are taking up the cause. While activism from the private and non-profit sectors is still strong, we cannot let it fade away over the next several years. Even with a change in direction, the damage will take a long time to repair and the cause must be picked up by a new generation of ocean stewards.
But what if we don’t have that new generation of ocean stewards to lead the way? We have seen that the younger generations can be a force for change. There are ways that they can mobilize around issues and make their voices heard. These voices are heard by political leaders who will listen when the volume is turned up. Without a new generation of voices advocating for the ocean, any political will towards ocean sustainability and protection will evaporate. Without a new generation of ocean stewards taking up the cause, the challenges the ocean is facing will not be exposed. Whether it be the seriousness of plastics in the ocean, the expansion of offshore drilling, or the tragedy of overfishing, who will tell the world what is actually happening. Who will provide the information and scientific data that proves that climate change is real. It is heating up the ocean and it is not a con-job. There are many organizations that advocate for ocean health and sustainability. These organizations depend on deeply committed individuals who lead their efforts and keep them viable. Without a new generation to take up the reins, these organizations risk fading away, like political will. We do not want to live in a world without a new generation of ocean stewards. The risks are simply too great.
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 Each year the Diving Equipment and Marketing Association (DEMA) conducts their big show bringing dive professionals, scuba equipment manufacturers, travel destinations, training organizations and ocean-related non-profit organizations together for four days of seminars and information sessions along with an extensive exhibit hall with participants from around the world. The DEMA Show is also a time for networking with old friends and establishing new relationships across the industry. As a non-profit organization deeply involved with the scuba community, DEMA Show 2025 was a place we needed to be. Over the four days that I spent on the exhibit floor and in various sessions, the message is loud and clear across the scuba diving world - we need that next generation of scuba divers who will not only sustain the industry but also be our next generation of leaders who will work toward protecting and sustaining the oceans. There are organizations, like ours, who are focused on training young people in various aspects of scuba diving from their first certification, through more advanced training. There are other non-profits who focus on teaching the next generation about ocean conservation and sustainability. While others bring practical experience to the table with coral conservation.  SEA-CT is a member of DEMA and as a member we are positioned to be engaged with all stakeholder groups in the diving industry. When I was an owner of Scuba Shack, I was elected to the DEMA Board of Directors for a three-year term representing the retail stakeholder group. My term ends in early 2026 in that area. However, I have been nominated for a second term working under the category that includes non-profit organizations. Sitting on the board has been a rich and rewarding experience as we navigate the challenges that face not only the diving industry but all businesses. Whether it be legislation, regulation, or global events, we live in an interconnected world where we need to keep an eye on situations that may impact our sport directly or indirectly.
As we look ahead to 2026, SEA-CT will continue to look for opportunities to foster our next generation of ocean stewards through scholarships and programs that get our young people involved and committed to ocean health and sustainability. |
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January 2026
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