Ocean Photography Awards received more than 3,500 entries and I am very happy cause for one more time my photo was selected by a panel of judges consisting of Paul Nicklen, Cristina Mittermeier, Andy Mann, Paul Hilton, Shawn Heinrichs, Luciano Candisani and John Waller with vast experience in underwater photography and fully aware of issues of ecology and environmental protection.
The Ocean Photography Awards organized by the Oceanographic Magazine and their mission is to create healthy and abundant oceans, for us and for the planet, also 100% of entry fees were donated to SeaLegacy.
What lies beneath the surface of the thin blue line? This is the story that SeaLegacy tells. This is the story that sparks a global conversation, and the story that inspires people to act. We believe that producing powerful media and art that gives people hope is imperative. Hope is empowerment. Hope is a solution. Hope is a game changer.
SeaLegacy is a collective of some of the most experienced and renowned photographers, filmmakers and storytellers working on behalf of our oceans. SeaLegacy was co-founded in 2014 by Cristina Mittermeier, a pioneer of the modern conservation photography movement, and Paul Nicklen, the renowned National Geographic polar photographer. In 2019 SeaLegacy joined forces with Blue Sphere Foundation founded by Shawn Heinrichs, an Emmy Award winning cinematographer and conservation photographer, and together they are now forging the next exciting chapter of SeaLegacy.
Congratulations to all finalists and winners!
About the Photo:
Abandoned by swimmers and most divers for many years because of the gold mine on the edge of the gulf, Stratoni is a small seaside village in Halkidiki peninsula, it is a place where I dive regularly to observe and photograph the local seahorse population. When you dive at a point regularly have the opportunity to observe the changes that occur at that point and how much the human presence affects the environment. The COVID19 virus in 2020 and the mandatory usage of plastic gloves, disposable masks and sanitisers have triggered a huge sequence that has led and continues to lead to an even greater contamination of the already polluted sea, it’s the promise of pollution to come if nothing is done. Unfortunately the already burden bay has to face another problem, the “Covid waste”.
