Winners Gallery

The second biggest whale, the fin whale, lies waiting for its turn to be butchered at a whaling plant in Iceland before getting sent to Japan. “Shortly after taking this image, the whale was hoisted up the ramp,” says photographer Brogaard. “The picture might induce a feeling of hopelessness, but public uproar throughout the last two years has resulted in the cancellation of last year's whaling season in Iceland. Unfortunately, a whaling quota was again issued this year. I hope this picture raises awareness and serves as inspiration to keep the public pressure on. These whales are crucial in our fight against climate change, sequestering tonnes of CO2 in their lifetime, and are worth more to us alive than dead.”