The ocean has always been my sanctuary—a place for reflection and self-discovery. Its smell, breeze, and the rhythmic sound of waves reaching across the world create a deeply meditative atmosphere.
Growing up as an expat kid and residing across diverse regions, from Europe and Southeast Asia to the Middle East, one constant thread wove through my life—the proximity to the ocean. The realisation that these disparate places shared a connection through the vast expanse of the ocean made it feel like my true home.
Growing up in a family of divers, with both my parents immersed in the underwater world, my brother and I eagerly began our scuba diving journey as soon as we came of age. However, my understanding of ocean health didn’t come to the forefront until my late teens in 2006. It was during this period that I first learned about coral bleaching in Australia, a topic widely discussed in the news. Despite the media coverage, I found myself lacking direct connections with marine biologists or fellow divers who possessed the in-depth knowledge.
The intricacies of what was transpiring in the ocean eluded me, but a profound sense of loss enveloped me as I realised I might have missed my chance to witness one of the greatest barrier reefs in the world.
Over the next ten years, my diving experiences dwindled from seasonal to nearly non-existent. Caught up in the demands of work and relationships that failed to provide true purpose, I felt a growing disconnection. After weathering a series of personal setbacks, one thing became crystal clear—I longed to be back in the ocean. That was certain.
Whether engaging in activities above or below the ocean or simply sitting on the beach, it’s a haven of tranquility. The ocean is our largest carbon sink; every other breath we take, we owe to the ocean. As an avid scuba diver, it’s not just the meditative feeling but what lies beneath that captivates me.
Beyond the surface lies a world unseen—tiny plankton, vibrant corals, and majestic whale sharks. A bustling life vital for our survival. The ocean regulates climate, provides food, and fuels tourism, yet our connection often goes unnoticed amidst our fast-paced lives.
Recent encounters have made me ponder. A friend’s photo of furniture dumped by the road raised a poignant question: ‘If we can’t care for the land, how can we protect the ocean?’ The solution starts small; a clean house promotes a clean mind. Can treating our planet like our home alleviate the overwhelming bigger picture?
On every dive, I pick up plastic—a global crisis, not confined to the UAE. Witnessing a Moray Eel trapped in a ghost net remains etched as a painful memory. With over 5.25 million tons of plastic in the ocean, we jeopardize dives, tourism, and our health. Over a third of fish now contain plastic.
Heartbreakingly, sharks are sold in well-known supermarkets in the UAE. Beyond their mesmerising presence, they play a crucial role in biodiversity. While some cultures consider them traditional food, their depletion disrupts the food chain. Over 1,000 shark species, including 30 in the Arabian Gulf, contribute to climate regulation and overall ocean health.
At COP28, I had the privilege of meeting inspiring ocean activists, including the esteemed Dr. Sylvia Earle. Events like these not only provided moments of profound connection but also served as a stark reminder of the urgent need to protect our planet. Every small effort contributes to preserving the vast and overwhelming planet, as echoed in the passionate discussions at COP28. The collective commitment displayed there reinforced my belief that individual actions, no matter how small, can collectively drive positive change on a global scale.
Knowing what I know now, I want to make a difference. I want to pass on to kids just like me when I was young the fragile beauty of our ocean. It’s not just learning to scuba dive, but it’s learning about what you’re seeing in the ocean as well. Understanding symbiotic relationships between marine life, understanding the food chain, and the signs of a healthy or unhealthy reef. If we start to recognize, to show empathy and care, we can all make a difference.
I implore everyone to understand the ocean’s complexity. Even if you’re not an ocean lover, watch documentaries, sit by the beach, and listen. Every small effort contributes to preserving the vast and overwhelming planet.
By Chloe King, Owner of Chloe Blue Diving Club
