Winners Gallery
1st place Conservation (Impact) Photographer of the Year
Simon Lorenz Sri Lanka
"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
Simon Lorenz Germany
ABOUT THE IMAGE
- Sunny weather
- Calm conditions
- Site accessed by boat
- Taken while freediving
IMAGES BY Simon Lorenz
Human Connection Award: People & Planet Ocean
2022 Sri Lanka
Reconnect. Immerse yourself. Be inspired.
Enjoy the vibrancy, beauty and impact of each year's finalist photography, celebrated in our Ocean Photographer of the Year coffee table book collection.