WINNERS GALLERY

A freediver is surrounded by a shiver of grey reef sharks in French Polynesia. "French Polynesia has made remarkable strides in marine conservation by becoming the world's largest shark sanctuary for the past two decades," says Moore. "They are dedicated to expanding their protective measures further by 2030 to cover more than 350,000 square miles. In the remote reefs of the Tuamotu Islands, one can easily witness the positive impact of their conservation efforts. The abundance of sharks swimming in these waters is a testament to their success. The reefs are thriving, and the shark populations are flourishing.'