The underwater world is often magical and has given me incredibly positive experiences throughout my life. Photography deepens my appreciation for marine life and what the ocean provides. But I am also confronted with our negative impacts on the ocean, particularly coral reefs, the environment I photograph most. What I have seen includes:
Bombed reefs, chlorinated reefs and crow-barred reefs, all for fishing; net and long-line leftovers from illegal fishing; dead reefs from warming events and from runoff and development; populations explosions of non-indigenous species, such as the common lionfish, blue-line snapper and peacock grouper; the absence of large reef fish and the presence of large amounts of trash, near many populated areas; and sharks disappearing at a shocking rate.
Considering that most of my photography takes place in “pristine” habitats covering an insignificant area of the ocean, it is sobering to think about the damage that is actually occurring.
We all depend on the ocean. It provides everything from food (fish and shellfish) to valuable commodities (minerals and crude oil) to a source of recreation and transportation. More importantly, it regulates the air we breathe by absorbing carbon dioxide and producing oxygen and maintains our climate by driving atmospheric circulation, controlling the water cycle and storing and transporting heat.
This vast and powerful system seems invincible with an infinite supply of resources. Yet the reality is that the ocean is a complex, dynamic and delicately balanced ecosystem that is surprisingly vulnerable.
It is not just what we see on nature shows or the media. Worldwide, studies from hundreds of leading scientists show that overfishing, pollution, habitat destruction and climate change are increasingly affecting the health of the ocean ecosystem. Fisheries are collapsing, invasive species are disrupting food webs and an increasing number of species are endangered. The statistics are alarming.
The ocean needs all of us to develop a strong sea ethic.
The mission of Blue Reef Photography is to share the ocean’s wonders through photography, thereby inspiring its conservation, and to support people and organizations that best know how to help.
As a result, all net proceeds will be donated to non-profit organizations that effectively work toward marine conservation. These organizations can be selected by either you or me. Support an organization of your choice!
Thank you.
Frank Baensch
Bombed reefs, chlorinated reefs and crow-barred reefs, all for fishing; net and long-line leftovers from illegal fishing; dead reefs from warming events and from runoff and development; populations explosions of non-indigenous species, such as the common lionfish, blue-line snapper and peacock grouper; the absence of large reef fish and the presence of large amounts of trash, near many populated areas; and sharks disappearing at a shocking rate.
Considering that most of my photography takes place in “pristine” habitats covering an insignificant area of the ocean, it is sobering to think about the damage that is actually occurring.
We all depend on the ocean. It provides everything from food (fish and shellfish) to valuable commodities (minerals and crude oil) to a source of recreation and transportation. More importantly, it regulates the air we breathe by absorbing carbon dioxide and producing oxygen and maintains our climate by driving atmospheric circulation, controlling the water cycle and storing and transporting heat.
This vast and powerful system seems invincible with an infinite supply of resources. Yet the reality is that the ocean is a complex, dynamic and delicately balanced ecosystem that is surprisingly vulnerable.
It is not just what we see on nature shows or the media. Worldwide, studies from hundreds of leading scientists show that overfishing, pollution, habitat destruction and climate change are increasingly affecting the health of the ocean ecosystem. Fisheries are collapsing, invasive species are disrupting food webs and an increasing number of species are endangered. The statistics are alarming.
The ocean needs all of us to develop a strong sea ethic.
The mission of Blue Reef Photography is to share the ocean’s wonders through photography, thereby inspiring its conservation, and to support people and organizations that best know how to help.
As a result, all net proceeds will be donated to non-profit organizations that effectively work toward marine conservation. These organizations can be selected by either you or me. Support an organization of your choice!
Thank you.
Frank Baensch