Ocean Conservation Photographer of the Year (Impact) 2023, SA - Oceanographic
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3rd place Conservation (Impact) Photographer of the Year

Sirachai Arunrugstichai Rayong, Thailand

12°36'45.7"N 101°23'06.0"E

A response team in PPE cleans oil-contaminated sand along a beach hit by an oil spill in Rayong, Thailand in 2022. "Thailand's Pollution Control Department reported that a conservatively estimated 180,000 to 200,000 litres of crude oil were released from a pipeline spill off the shore of Rayong," says Arunrugstichai. "Some subsequent leaks in unknown quantities were also detected throughout the following week. Although the crude oil was cleared off by physical labour and chemical dispersant, the long-term impact on the marine environment is unknown and is still being monitored."

BEHIND THE LENS

Ocean Conservation Photographer of the Year (Impact) 2023, SA

Sirachai Arunrugstichai Thailand

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ABOUT THE IMAGE

  • Respirator required due to stench of oil
  • Afternoon shoot
  • Dropped at location by a researcher
  • Strong winds

Sirachai “Shin” Arunrugstichai is a Thai photojournalist and marine biologist focused on marine conservation and humanity’s complex relationship with the ocean. An Associate Fellow of the International League of Conservation Photographers, a National Geographic Explorer and a Vital Impacts' Sylvia Earle Grant recipient, Shin’s work spans from environmental crises to social issues. His images have appeared in National Geographic, The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The Guardian, often through his role with Getty Images. When not in the field, Shin contributes to shark and ray research in Southeast Asia as a co-founder of Thai Sharks and Rays, a collaborative marine science initiative.

MORE IMAGES BY Sirachai Arunrugstichai

Conservation (Hope)Photographer of the Year

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Ocean Photographer of the Year 2025, SIRARU8

Conservation (Hope)Photographer of the Year

2025 Thailand

Ocean Photographer of the Year 2025, SIRARU9

Human Connection Award: People & Planet Ocean

2025 Taiwan

Ocean Photographer of the Year 2025, SIRARU18

Conservation (Impact)Photographer of the Year

2024 Myeik Archipelago, Myanmar

Ocean Conservation (Impact) Photographer of the Year 2024, SIRARU1

Ocean Portfolio Award

2023 Thailand

Ocean Portfolio Award 2023, Sirachai Arunrugstichai

Human Connection Award: People & Planet Ocean

2023 Rayong, Thailand

Human Connection Award: People & Planet Ocean 2023, SA

Conservation (Impact)Photographer of the Year

2023 Myeik, Myanmar

Ocean Conservation Photographer of the Year (Impact) 2023, SA2

ExplorationPhotographer of the Year

2020 Thailand

2020 EPoY finalist, Sirachai Arunrugstichai

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