Ocean Conservation Photographer of the Year (Hope) 2023, HS - Oceanographic

Finalist Conservation (Hope) Photographer of the Year

Henley Spiers Raja Ampat, Indonesia

2°14'40.2"S 130°33'22.1"E

"Misool Eco Resort was built on an island previously occupied by shark-finning fishermen," says Spiers. "Today, the resort funds and manages the protection of a 300,000 acre marine reserve in its surrounding waters, including 15 full-time rangers. The result has been astonishing, with a 250% average increase in biomass inside the reserve over a six year period. This marine conservation success story is even more heartening as it has occurred within the Coral Triangle - the most biodiverse location in our ocean. This image depicts the healthy biomass."

BEHIND THE LENS

Ocean Conservation Photographer of the Year (Hope) 2023, HS

Henley Spiers United Kingdom (UK)

ABOUT THE IMAGE

Taken while snorkelling
Coastal walk-in
Cloudy, warm conditions
Late afternoon shoot

Henley Spiers, half British and half French, is a renowned photographer, writer, and trip leader who has fast become one of the most highly decorated underwater wildlife shooters in the world. Henley is perhaps best known for his black and white imagery, showcasing the beauty of the aquatic world with distinctive minimalism. Fine art prints of his work now adorn walls around the globe.