Underwater photography - marine conservation

 

This harmless Zebra Shark has become hopelessly tangled in an abandoned fishing net. Such nets become perpetual death traps for marine life, continuing to kill for many years. Hin Muang, Thailand, Andaman Sea.

  
Sea turtle eggs being offered for sale by an Indonesian merchant. Although illegal in many countries, the collection of eggs continues to threaten sea turtle populations around the world. Sumatra, Indonesia.
image reference code: ecoshark 28   image reference code: ecoturteg 13

 
A magnificent Gray Reef Shark, killed for its fins. Various reef fish pick at the body, which has been discarded. Sharks are an essential part of the marine ecosystem, yet are increasingly threatened by such wasteful fishing practices. Ko Tachai, Andaman Sea, Thailand.
  
This White-tip Reef Shark has been killed only for its valuable fins. The rest of the animal is left to rot on the bottom - a shameful waste. Similan Islands, Andaman Sea, Thailand.
image reference code: ecoshark 8   image reference code: ecoshark 1

 
These jacks are victims of blast fishing. An extremely wasteful practice, this method typically results in most of the fish being left on the bottom to rot; only a small percent are harvested. Even worse is damage to the reef, which may takes decades to heal. Hin Muang, Thailand, Andaman Sea.
  
Silvertip and Scalloped Hammerhead Sharks, victims of commercial long-line fishing. Sharks are slow to grow and reproduce, and are increasingly threatened by commercial fisheries around the world. Burma Banks, Andaman Sea.
image reference code: ecodynfish 6   image reference code: ecoshark 24

Burmese fishermen display their catch of shark fins, which are being dried in the sun. The rest of the animals were discarded to make room for the more valuable fins. Mergui Archipelago, Andaman Sea, Myanmar.

image reference code: ecoshark 9

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