
Winners Gallery


Finalist Conservation (Impact) Photographer of the Year
Sirachai Arunrugstichai Myeik, Myanmar
"A large pile of spadenose sharks is butterflied and salted for preservation at a shark factory to be later sold as salted fish," says Arunrugstichai. "Although targeted shark fisheries have been legally banned in Myanmar since 2009, there are still active markets for shark products both for local consumption and for export overseas through neighbouring countries via land borders. The sharks are supplied from both targeted fisheries and from bycatch by non-selective fishing gear, while enforcement and monitoring efforts are lacking."
BEHIND THE LENS

Sirachai Arunrugstichai Thailand
ABOUT THE IMAGE
- Rainy, monsoon day
- Morning shoot
- Shot using natural light in the factory
- Site accessed by scooter
Sirachai “Shin” Arunrugstichai is an independent photojournalist and marine biologist, specialising in marine conservation stories. He is an Associate Fellow of the International League of Conservation Photographers and a National Geographic Explorer. Shin regularly works for various conservation organisations and covers news as a stringer for Getty Images. His photographs have been published in National Geographic, Smithsonian, the Washington Post, the New York Times, and the Guardian, among many others.
MORE IMAGES BY Sirachai Arunrugstichai

Conservation (Impact)Photographer of the Year
2024 Myeik Archipelago, Myanmar

Human Connection Award: People & Planet Ocean
2023 Rayong, Thailand

Conservation (Impact)Photographer of the Year
2023 Rayong, Thailand
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.
