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

Finalist Conservation (Hope) Photographer of the Year

Nicolas Hahn Baja California Sur, Mexico

24°03'48.1"N 109°50'03.3"W

A fever of Munk’s mobula rays swim in shallow water in the Gulf of California. "Mobula rays are very sensitive, and to capture this image I had to dive down to the sea floor while freediving and stay as still as possible, doing my best to lay low and disappear before the animals could notice me," says Hahn. "As the fever swam over me, I remained still and started shooting the spectacular sight. I waited until the entire group passed by to surface, so as not to disturb the rays."