Seconded By: Lars Boering,
Coral reefs are vibrant colourful places full of life. In Oceania, I have dived many of the most beautiful protected pristine reefs in the world, where protection, and fishing bans have shown significant improvement. However, I have also seen over many years the steady demise of the coral reefs. Many sites dived in my past, particularly in the popular tourist areas of Australia where large numbers of snorkelers visit daily, now have less colour, less fish and the huge fields of corals are only a memory. Rising water temperatures have caused coral bleaching episodes and fish numbers consistently decrease. In Sydney, whilst a rich underwater environment, the sea floor is often found littered with cans and plastic waste.
Coral reefs all around the world are being lost at an alarming rate. Climate change, pollution, overfishing and bycatch all threaten this fragile environment. With the ocean regulating our climate and weather patterns, producing over half the worlds oxygen, as well as absorbing carbon dioxide, its continued attack means that the life it holds beneath the surface is increasingly at great peril. Whilst less known than the big animals at threat, the biodiversity of coral reefs is immense and means that millions of tiny creatures, are all now in danger. The reefs are home to a vast array of marine species and are critical for the conservation and preservation of marine resources. Their protection is essential for ocean sustainability.
The protected coral reefs I have seen give me hope for the future and a desire with my photography to bring awareness of the precious creatures that many never get to see, but are essential for humanity. An image can capture the splendour and beauty of life beneath the waves and speak to people more than any words. They celebrate the colour and detail of the tiny jewels of our ocean and show the world what is at stake if action is not taken.
Bargibanti Pygmy Seahorse
A tiny bargibanti pygmy seahorse nestles camouflaged amongst the fronds of its gorgonian fan home in Western Papua. Coral reef destruction worldwide and subsequent habitat loss means these tiny beautiful creatures are increasingly at risk of destruction.
Sea Fan
Schools of silvery baitfish glisten as they move in clouds above a healthy red sea fan to avoid fast moving hunting jacks looking for their next meal. New Britain,PNG where reefs are protected tiny animal and fish life flourishes.
Goby on Sponge
A tiny ghost goby sparkles on its deep red sponge home , Papua New Guinea. The goby is a commensal benefiting from the protection and habitat of the sponge whilst not damaging it in any way.
Mating crabs
A pair of mating red bait crabs nestle in sea grass in the shallows of Victoria harbour ,South Australia. Sea grass is valuable habitat under threat from pollution, both locally and globally.
Sea fans
Huge colourful sea fans covered in tiny coral polyps flourish in the rich protected waters of Western Papau, hilighting the benefits of reef protected areas.
Clownfish
A bright orange spinecheeked clownfish dances amongst the waving tentacles of its bubble anemone home. Papua New Guinea. A vibrant flash of colour in a healthy protected reef.
Ornate Ghostpipefish
Amongst the fronds of a yellow and orange crinoid gently floats the beautiful ornate ghost pipefish, perfectly camouflaged by its colour and intricate shape that mirrors its habitat. New Britain,Papua. Habitat loss threatens these tiny jewels.
Crocodile fish
Hidden amongst dead and broken coral on the seafloor a crocodile fish lurks perfectly still scanning for prey. Its ornate eyes glisten and compete its rich camouflage. Western Papua.
Giant sponge and baitfish
Colourful sea fans made up of tiny coral polyps, sponges, shrimps and clouds of tiny glistening baitfish complete the rich scene of biodiversity on the protected coral reef in Western Papua.
Weedy Sea Dragon
An ornate richly patterned weedy sea dragon swims above the dense green kelp in Sydney Australia. Kelp is an essential habitat for these beautiful creatures and is under threat along the eastern Australian shores from pollution and global factors.
