Honorable Mention Underwater Conservation

Olivier Clement

"Ocean Litter"

The Story:

During an expedition with FON Association, I joined the renowned photographer Hussain Aga Khan on a journey to document the interconnectedness of humans and our oceans. Our mission was to highlight both the beauty and the vulnerability of marine ecosystems. While exploring a remote coastline, we came across a stretch of sea riddled with plastic waste. The scene was as heartbreaking as it was compelling, a stark reminder of the human impact on even the most seemingly untouched corners of the planet. The image captures a poignant moment where nature's resilience meets humanity's negligence. It is a visual plea to rethink our habits, reduce plastic use, and restore balance to our shared home. Documenting this story with FON reminded me of the urgent need for action, a sentiment shared passionately by Hussain Aga Khan, whose dedication to conservation continues to inspire change worldwide.

Location:

Indonesia, Raja Ampat

Equipment Used:

• Canon 5D Mark iv with a EF8-15mm f/4L Fisheye USM Nauticam Housing

Camera Settings:

• ISO 250
• 15mm
• f/7.1
• 1/200sec