Ocean Photographer of the Year 2025, SIRARU18 - Oceanographic

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Finalist Human Connection Award: People & Planet Ocean

Sirachai Arunrugstichai Taiwan

25°14'10.4"N 121°39'13.5"E

"Fuji 268, one of Taiwan’s last fire fishing boats, ignites a fireball to startle sardines in the coastal waters of New Taipei," says Arunrugstichai. "By 2023, it was the sole survivor of this national cultural heritage of Taiwan, with the crew working to sustain the tradition by partnering with local guides and launching their own educational program to offset costs and dwindling fish stocks. The effort drew more than 5,000 tourists in 2024 - double the previous year - sparking enough demand for another fire fishing boat to return to operation under this growing business model."

BEHIND THE LENS

Ocean Photographer of the Year 2025, SIRARU18

Sirachai Arunrugstichai Thailand

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ABOUT THE IMAGE

  • Night-time
  • Windy with light swell
  • Grant-based shoot
  • F/2.8, 1/500s, ISO 640

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

2025 Thailand

Ocean Photographer of the Year 2025, SIRARU8

Conservation (Hope)Photographer of the Year

2025 Thailand

Ocean Photographer of the Year 2025, SIRARU9

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

Conservation (Impact)Photographer of the Year

2023 Rayong, Thailand

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

ExplorationPhotographer of the Year

2020 Thailand

2020 EPoY finalist, Sirachai Arunrugstichai

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.

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