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2nd place Human Connection Award: People & Planet Ocean

Simon Lorenz Sri Lanka

8°48'43.0"N 81°17'35.3"E

"When searching for whales in the open ocean we always inspect islands of flotsam as they can be interesting wildlife aggregators," says photographer Simon Lorenz. "This large ghostnet island was a death trap for an Olive Ridley sea turtle which we found entangled and struggling. She still looked healthy and strong so, when approaching her we had to be careful not to aggravate her. Getting her disentangled took a machete and more than 30 minutes of hard work. When all the netting was removed we checked the turtle over and sent her on her way."

BEHIND THE LENS

Human Connection Award: People & Planet Ocean, 2022, SL

Simon Lorenz Germany

ABOUT THE IMAGE

  • Sunny weather
  • Calm conditions
  • Site accessed by boat
  • Taken while freediving

Underwater photographer Simon Lorenz is a tour leader, scuba instructor, photo coach, author and event speaker. His travel company Insider Divers offers guided group trips in which he and his colleagues aim to further the marine and photography skills of his guests. His photos and articles have appeared in magazines around the world and he has filmed for companies such as CNN and NatGeo. He supports various NGOs such as WWF and TNC and fights for the protection of sharks on the advisory board of the Hong Kong Shark Foundation. Simon speaks 6 languages and has dived on all continents.

MORE IMAGES BY Simon Lorenz