So today, we would like to present you with this year’s winners, runner-ups, and highly commended entries. Hopefully, these photos will inspire you to learn more about mangroves and their importance to our world and maybe even try to help preserve them.

Take a look at the winners of 2023. And here are thePeople’s Choice Awards, where people can vote for their favorite mangrove photo on Instagram.

More info:photography.mangroveactionproject.org|Instagram|Facebook|Instagram

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Mangroves and Underwater category, Highly Commended.Jillian Morris spies two juvenile lemon sharks in the Bahamas“These juvenile lemon sharks were cruising in a deeper pocket at the edge of the mangrove forest. They can still seek refuge but are spending more time away from the nursery habitat as they get older and bigger.“This species is also social, especially when they are young. They are often seen seeking refuge, hunting, or resting together.”

“Friends At The Edge” By Jillian Morris, Bahamas

To learn more about the photography awards,Bored Pandareached out to Leo Thom, a creative director atMangrove Action Project, andSupratim Bhattacharjee, the overall winner of this year’s competition.

Although devastating, there is a bit of good news for the girl. I did hear that the photographer returned to the same region this past week and found the girl and the family surviving well at the new home they built.”

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Mangroves and Landscape category, Highly Commended.Vladimir Borzykin frames picturesque mangrove trees during a colourful sunset on the Andaman islands.“Behind the beauty of white sand beaches and coconut palm trees, the rugged coast of Neil island (Shaheed Dweep) in Andaman islands archipelago, studded with picturesque mangrove trees, is largely overlooked.The sea around the island being very shallow, the tide recedes far away from the shore exposing an extremely sharp rocky reef. After a week of ‘dancing’ around this particular set of mangroves, trying different photo compositions and, luckily, having low tide and sunset timing coincide, I came up with this shot that captures the essence and atmosphere of the place and moment.”

“Framing The Sunset” By Vladimir Borzykin, India

Mangroves and Underwater category, Highly Commended.Purwanto Nugroho captures the charm and power of underwater mangrove habitats.“Mangroves act as a natural filter that can remove most pollutants before they reach the ocean. Soil and mangrove biomass have a significant capacity to store carbon from the atmosphere, helping to reduce carbon dioxide concentrations in the air.“The complex roots of mangroves help bind soil and sediment, reduce erosion, and protect against damage due to waves or currents. Thus, mangrove conservation efforts are crucial to maintaining environmental sustainability and human life."

“Kakaban Mangrove” By Purwanto Nugroho, Indonesia

Supratim shared the backstory of his image:“The award-winning photo was captured during the complete COVID-19 lockdown on a cyclonic day. I was staying at a hotel in Bakkhali, documenting the devastating impact of cyclonic weather on a full moon day, a project I’ve pursued for nearly two decades in the Sundarbans region.The night before the photo was taken, I planned a visit to Lakkhipur village with my friend Goutam. Fraserganj, where the picture was taken, lacks embankments, making it particularly vulnerable. I arrived early in the morning and witnessed the overwhelming force of the high tides. The residents of Lakkhipur, located on Frazerganj, were frantically trying to save their belongings from the encroaching sea water.Among them was 11-year-old Pallavi, whose house, including a tea shop, had been completely submerged the previous night. Her composed demeanor and resilient expression amid the chaos compelled me to capture her photograph, showcasing her strength in the face of such devastation.Speaking with Pallavi, she shared how the relentless sea waves are slowly eroding their future year after year.”

Supratim shared the backstory of his image:

“The award-winning photo was captured during the complete COVID-19 lockdown on a cyclonic day. I was staying at a hotel in Bakkhali, documenting the devastating impact of cyclonic weather on a full moon day, a project I’ve pursued for nearly two decades in the Sundarbans region.

The night before the photo was taken, I planned a visit to Lakkhipur village with my friend Goutam. Fraserganj, where the picture was taken, lacks embankments, making it particularly vulnerable. I arrived early in the morning and witnessed the overwhelming force of the high tides. The residents of Lakkhipur, located on Frazerganj, were frantically trying to save their belongings from the encroaching sea water.

Among them was 11-year-old Pallavi, whose house, including a tea shop, had been completely submerged the previous night. Her composed demeanor and resilient expression amid the chaos compelled me to capture her photograph, showcasing her strength in the face of such devastation.

Speaking with Pallavi, she shared how the relentless sea waves are slowly eroding their future year after year.”

Mangroves and Wildlife category, Highly Commended.A forest cat after hunting in the mangrove forest of Bandar Abbas, IranThe jungle cat, also called the reed cat or swamp cat, is an endangered species in Iran. The solitary species are expert nocturnal predators with a taste for rodents, fish, and small birds.“One autumn day, I had gone to the mangrove forest to photograph birds, when I suddenly saw this cat. Even the locals rarely see this cat, and I feel very lucky to be able to photograph this forest cat.”

“Jungle Cat” By Erfan Samanfar, Iran

“Tapa Cara” By Sebastián Calle, Colombia

Supratim also shared what are some of the most pressing threats to mangrove forests that he has personally witnessed.

“Growing up, I frequently visited my maternal grandparents' home in Canning, near the Sundarbans. I fondly remember the lush greenery and playing under the expansive, shady trees during scorching summer afternoons. However, nearly 28-30 years later, the landscape has dramatically changed. The indiscriminate cutting down of trees has transformed the area, and many islands in the Sundarbans, once teeming with Sundari trees and mangrove forests, have lost their verdant charm.

The large trees that once acted as buffers against soil erosion from tidal floods are now gone, making floods and cyclonic attacks increasingly common. Several islands have already submerged, and many more are at risk.

“Sinking Sundarbans” By Supratim Bhattacharjee, India

Mangroves and Underwater category, Highly Commended.Shane Gross frames a Morelet’s crocodile, king of the mangroves.“I was snorkeling in a beautiful mangrove lagoon when this Morelet’s crocodile decided he was warm enough and entered the water from his favorite sunbathing rock.”Also known as the Mexican crocodile or Belize crocodile, Morelet’s are found exclusively in the Atlantic regions of Mexico, Brazil, and Guatemala.There are thought to be 79,000 to 100,000 individuals living across marine coastal and wetland habitats.

“Morelet’s Reflection” By Shane Gross, Mexico

“Adding to the crisis is the reckless deforestation of mangrove forests. Many island residents are unaware of the long-term consequences of this destruction. Deforestation is erasing natural habitats and diminishing the region’s green aura. The natural barriers that once protected the land from floods are being systematically destroyed.Through my photography, I aim to raise awareness about climate change in the Sundarbans and its impact on the lives of children in the region. I am capturing the faces of climate change victims to send a powerful message: it is time to take action on fossil fuels, the primary driver of rising global temperatures. The consequences—droughts, wildfires, sea level rise, disease, and migration—are already here, and we must act now to mitigate further damage.”

“Adding to the crisis is the reckless deforestation of mangrove forests. Many island residents are unaware of the long-term consequences of this destruction. Deforestation is erasing natural habitats and diminishing the region’s green aura. The natural barriers that once protected the land from floods are being systematically destroyed.

Through my photography, I aim to raise awareness about climate change in the Sundarbans and its impact on the lives of children in the region. I am capturing the faces of climate change victims to send a powerful message: it is time to take action on fossil fuels, the primary driver of rising global temperatures. The consequences—droughts, wildfires, sea level rise, disease, and migration—are already here, and we must act now to mitigate further damage.”

“Mangrove At Night” By Nicholas Alexander Hess, Australia

Mangroves and Threats category, Runner Up.Jeff Thamert records a rocket launch above Florida’s mangroves.“This was shot near the SpaceX launch facility where launches are happening far too often, which has already had some negative effects on The Indian River Lagoon and sanctuary. We have seen the decline of water quality and sea grasses, which has affected sea life, plants, and animals.”

Nature And Space By Jeff Thamert, USA

“Climate Change in Indian Sundarbans:Located in the embrace of the Bay of Bengal, the Sundarbans archipelago straddles the borders of India and Bangladesh, with India claiming a significant 40% of its vast expanse, encompassing roughly 10,000 square kilometers. Celebrated as the planet’s largest mangrove forest, the Sundarbans hosts a collection of 102 deltaic islands within the Indian territory, of which 52 are inhabited. Serving as a natural shield against the fury of storm surges and cyclones, this ecological marvel stands as an invaluable asset. However, relentless exploitation for economic gain has unleashed a cascade of detrimental consequences, including rampant deforestation, erosion of soil, and a compromised capacity for climate change mitigation.In recent years, substantial portions of the Sundarbans have fallen prey to encroaching waters, rendering them increasingly susceptible to the wrath of cyclones, torrential rains, and storm surges. The period spanning from 2019 to 2024 witnessed a barrage of cyclones—Fani, Amphan, Bulbul, Yaas, and Remal—further destabilizing the Indian Sundarbans. Concurrently, the forces of urbanization and modernization have aggravated these challenges, exacerbating the significant loss of mangroves due to soil erosion. Over the past five decades, studies conducted between 1975 and 2020 have documented a steady decline in mangrove density, with an annual decrease estimated at 1.3%.”

“Climate Change in Indian Sundarbans:

Located in the embrace of the Bay of Bengal, the Sundarbans archipelago straddles the borders of India and Bangladesh, with India claiming a significant 40% of its vast expanse, encompassing roughly 10,000 square kilometers. Celebrated as the planet’s largest mangrove forest, the Sundarbans hosts a collection of 102 deltaic islands within the Indian territory, of which 52 are inhabited. Serving as a natural shield against the fury of storm surges and cyclones, this ecological marvel stands as an invaluable asset. However, relentless exploitation for economic gain has unleashed a cascade of detrimental consequences, including rampant deforestation, erosion of soil, and a compromised capacity for climate change mitigation.

In recent years, substantial portions of the Sundarbans have fallen prey to encroaching waters, rendering them increasingly susceptible to the wrath of cyclones, torrential rains, and storm surges. The period spanning from 2019 to 2024 witnessed a barrage of cyclones—Fani, Amphan, Bulbul, Yaas, and Remal—further destabilizing the Indian Sundarbans. Concurrently, the forces of urbanization and modernization have aggravated these challenges, exacerbating the significant loss of mangroves due to soil erosion. Over the past five decades, studies conducted between 1975 and 2020 have documented a steady decline in mangrove density, with an annual decrease estimated at 1.3%.”

“Guardians Of The Gulf” By Nick Conzone, USA

“Spectacular Mangrove Symphony” By Ammar Alsayed Ahmed, United Arab Emirates

“The ingress of tides has exacerbated existing adversities, intensifying food and water scarcity, diminishing agricultural yields, and degrading arable land. The COVID-19 pandemic and ensuing lockdowns delivered severe blows to local livelihoods, triggering widespread unemployment particularly among migrant laborers, who suddenly found themselves bereft of income and support.

The devastating aftermath of cyclones like Amphan and Yaas has left many residents destitute and homeless, underscoring the critical importance of mangrove conservation in averting such catastrophes.

“Mud-Ring Feeding” By Mark Ian Cook, USA

Mangroves and Underwater category, Highly Commended.Grace Pempek observes a critically endangered juvenile smalltooth sawfish in the mangrove shallows at sunrise.“If there is one thing I have learned in underwater photography, it is to always be ready, as you never know what the ocean will present to you—nor when. Luckily, that was the case for me when I encountered a juvenile smalltooth sawfish in the Florida Keys. I knew I had to make the most of my chance encounter with this bucket-list species—truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!“I was fortunate it seemed relaxed in my presence without any other beachgoers in the water. However, as more and more people came to the beach to watch the sunrise and enjoy their morning coffee, I slowly backed off the subject, not wanting to draw too much attention to this very rare and endangered animal.”

“Sawfish Sunrise” By Grace Pempek, USA

The photographer also shared what message he hoped for the viewers to take away from his photo.

I was born in South 24 Parganas and raised here, which is the most vulnerable district to super cyclones. So, I never faced any difficulties while working in my region. I have been among super cyclones several times to capture disasters and this journey will be continuing until the situation is restored a bit.

Photography is a powerful tool that illustrates the reality and its impact on human and animal life. My long-term raw photographs capture the momentary disasters of various places, revealing the actual scenarios and the hardships the people endure. Policymakers can easily discern the helplessness of human life through these frames.”

Mangroves and People category, Highly Commended.Daniel Alvarez sheds light on the work of minorities in the peripheral regions of Colombia.“In the peripheral regions of Colombia, the daily struggle for sustenance coexists with a rich cultural heritage and a deep-rooted connection to the land.Aura Nelly – known as ‘La Ñata’ – and Gabriela, two piangua harvesters from La Plata in Bahía Málaga, Valle del Cauca, work meticulously in the mangroves, collecting mangrove cockle or ‘piangua’.“These cockles are a source of livelihood as well as living testimony to the interdependence between human beings and nature. Every gesture, every verse sung while they work, reflects the profound connection with the land and sea that surrounds them as well as the determination to preserve their cultural roots in an ever-changing world.”

“Piangua, Vital” By Daniel Alvarez, Colombia

“I consider photography a medium that can achieve what several articles cannot. By choosing long-term projects, I often visit the same place twice a month to ensure I depict the struggles of human life facing water crises, environmental disasters, poverty, and more. Through my pictures, I aim to present visual evidence of our blue planet’s condition. I plan to showcase comparative images to highlight changes in specific places over 5-10 years, making it easier for conscious individuals and environmentalists to see the differences. Additionally, I strive to illuminate how future generations may be deprived of certain natural delights that we were fortunate to enjoy.

Each of my pictures is unique, capturing a fraction of a second with far-reaching implications.

Through my work, I want to convey the fierceness of our beautiful environment and the urgent need for rapid action before we lose it forever. I hope my selection of photographs will help people understand the injuries we, as human beings, have inflicted on nature and how it is now retaliating,” wrote Supratim.

Mangroves and People category, Winner. Johannes Panji Christo watches as a local Balinese man is covered in mud during a bathing tradition, locally known as Mebuug Buugan. “Men, women and children, wearing sarongs and traditional headgear, collect mud from a mangrove forest in Kedonganan village, just outside the town of Denpasar, and cover themselves as part of a purification ritual. Mebuug Buugan was recently revived after a 60-year hiatus. Hosted the day after the annual “Day of Silence Festival”, in which people stay home and self-reflect, the ritual sees people pray for gratitude and earth’s fertility.

“Mud Bath Ritual” By Johannes Panji Christo, Indonesia

Mangroves and Wildlife category, Highly Commended.Abhishek Das spies a delicate mudskipper perched boldly on the tail of a massive crocodile.“Is the mudskipper really the David? Tiny yet fearless, it contrasts sharply with the powerful, armoured crocodile, highlighting the stark difference in their sizes and the audacity of the smaller creature. Meanwhile, the crocodile’s tail resembles the numerous fights it has been through.”

“David vs. Goliath” By Abhishek Das, India

There is no doubt that photographing and sharing the stories behind mangroves is extra important. Therefore, we were curious what advice Leo Thom would give to aspiring photographers who aim to capture the essence of mangrove ecosystems and make their work stand out in future competitions.

“Honey Heist” By Upamanyu Chakraborty, India

“In Search Of Drinking Water” By Dipayan Bose, India

Supratim also shared his advice to photographers passionate about environmental conservation.“If you aspire to become an environmental conservationist through photography, passion for the environment is essential. You must possess in-depth knowledge of the regions where you work and build strong connections with climate-vulnerable communities. Remember, a photograph’s beauty alone is not enough; it must also be powerful. Only then can it create a significant impact on global audiences and prompt policymakers to take action for the betterment of humanity.”

Supratim also shared his advice to photographers passionate about environmental conservation.

“If you aspire to become an environmental conservationist through photography, passion for the environment is essential. You must possess in-depth knowledge of the regions where you work and build strong connections with climate-vulnerable communities. Remember, a photograph’s beauty alone is not enough; it must also be powerful. Only then can it create a significant impact on global audiences and prompt policymakers to take action for the betterment of humanity.”

“Together” By Raj Hassanaly, Madagascar

Mangroves and People category, Highly Commended.Two women helplessly watch sea waves reclaim their homes in the Sundarbans.The Sundarbans archipelago spans the borders of India and Bangladesh, with India laying claim to 40% of its approximately 40,000 square kilometers. The area is known for its rich forest resources, which locals rely on for income.But rampant deforestation coupled with worsening storms has intensified food and water scarcity, diminished agriculture productivity and soil quality, and turned local communities into climate refugees.“The COVID-19 pandemic and ensuing lockdowns delivered a severe blow to local livelihoods, especially for migrant laborers who found themselves without income or support. Cyclones like Amphan and Yaas inflicted significant damage, leaving many without sustenance or shelter.“Adequate preservation of mangroves could have mitigated the catastrophic toll of these events. The Sundarbans face the prospect of witnessing one of the largest human migrations in history, with Kolkata at risk of submersion.

Sinking Sundarbans II By Supratim Bhattacharjee, India

Regarding technological advancements in photography, we asked Leo Thom to share his view of these tools helping photographers better capture and convey the critical importance of mangrove ecosystems.Leo wrote: “With better cameras in different shapes and sizes becoming more available to everyone, you can really see the increase in diversity and quality looking through the last 10 years of the photography awards. I’d say we receive so many more drone aerial photos now than we used to, camera-trap photos and underwater. I think it’s brilliant to utilise these new technologies, especially as mangroves are tough environments to work in. Of course, these tools bring new perspectives also, and it can give us new insights into the importance of mangroves within the bigger ecosystem. When flying drones, do be careful about the impact it can have on birdlife.”

Regarding technological advancements in photography, we asked Leo Thom to share his view of these tools helping photographers better capture and convey the critical importance of mangrove ecosystems.

Leo wrote: “With better cameras in different shapes and sizes becoming more available to everyone, you can really see the increase in diversity and quality looking through the last 10 years of the photography awards. I’d say we receive so many more drone aerial photos now than we used to, camera-trap photos and underwater. I think it’s brilliant to utilise these new technologies, especially as mangroves are tough environments to work in. Of course, these tools bring new perspectives also, and it can give us new insights into the importance of mangroves within the bigger ecosystem. When flying drones, do be careful about the impact it can have on birdlife.”

Mangroves and Landscape category, Highly Commended.A cluster of mangrove trees at the water’s edge guard the coastline, protecting against erosion and providing habitat for countless species.“During our exploration, these mangroves, positioned at the forefront of Faure Island, stood out as natural defenders against coastal erosion.“This photograph captures their dense roots and lush foliage at dusk, with the calm seas and fading light creating a tranquil yet powerful scene. The image underscores the importance of these ecosystems in maintaining coastal integrity and supporting marine life.”

“Guardians Of The Bay” By Jake Mason, Australia

“Symbiosis” By Giacomo D’orlando, Indonesia

As the Mangrove Photography Awards continue to grow, Leo shared his aspirations for the future of this competition:“I mentioned above we are seeing so many aerial photographs, perhaps that should be a new category next year. We are also about to launch our first People’s Choice Award, a selection of 9 awesome images from this year’s submissions, which will run for one week. Please check it out and vote for your favorite and have a chance to win a signed print. Check it out on ourInstagram.Our bigger aim for the project is that the awards inspires and catalyses conservation and restoration efforts of our mangrove ecosystems. We’re working hard with partners to keep raising awareness of mangroves, but in the end, we want it to directly lead to impact on the ground. So we’re looking to combine the storytelling world with the conservation and restoration world, ensuring the health of mangroves for generations to come.”

As the Mangrove Photography Awards continue to grow, Leo shared his aspirations for the future of this competition:

“I mentioned above we are seeing so many aerial photographs, perhaps that should be a new category next year. We are also about to launch our first People’s Choice Award, a selection of 9 awesome images from this year’s submissions, which will run for one week. Please check it out and vote for your favorite and have a chance to win a signed print. Check it out on ourInstagram.

Our bigger aim for the project is that the awards inspires and catalyses conservation and restoration efforts of our mangrove ecosystems. We’re working hard with partners to keep raising awareness of mangroves, but in the end, we want it to directly lead to impact on the ground. So we’re looking to combine the storytelling world with the conservation and restoration world, ensuring the health of mangroves for generations to come.”

“Satellite-Tagged Rewilding Hope” By Upamanyu Chakraborty, India

See Also on Bored Panda

“Guardians Of The Mangroves” By Olivier Clement, Bahamas

Lastly, Leo added: “Just to say come and follow us across social and get involved if you are into photography or the environment.

“The Fire Within” By Javier Orozco, Mexico

“Mangroves On Tidal Flats” By Stuart Chape, Australia

Mangroves and People category, Highly Commended.Trapeang Sangkae Fishing Community Members help a group of locals to replant mangrove trees in Kampot, Cambodia.“Bôndy, a private company working in ecosystem restoration, collaborates hand in hand with local communities to restore mangroves.“The local communities realize that with the cutting of mangrove trees, it is becoming increasingly difficult to fish, catch crabs, or simply protect themselves from climate change and increasingly violent cyclones in these regions. Together, always with a smile and in good spirits, they traverse the mangroves to revive vast stretches of isolated land.”

“The Last Mangrove” By Roun Ry, Cambodia

Mangroves and Landscape category, Highly Commended.Ammar Alsayed Ahmed captures a magical moment as dawn fog sweeps over the urban mangroves of Al Reem Island in Abu Dhabi.The UAE’s coastline features 155 square kilometers of mangrove trees, known locally as Qurm. In the past, local communities heavily relied on qurm as a source of food, fuel, and for building ships and houses.Across the country’s seven emirates, 13 important mangrove sites nestle along the coastline, including Al Hafiya in Khor Kalba, Sharjah, a Ramsar site of international importance.

“Foggy Fusion” By Ammar Alsayed Ahmed, United Arab Emirates

Mangroves and Underwater category, Highly Commended.Olivier Clement witnesses the grace of a lemon shark navigating the intricate mangrove maze beneath the Bahamas’ tranquil waters.“As I waded through the shallow waters, camera in hand, I stumbled upon a breathtaking scene: a lemon shark gracefully gliding through the maze, its sleek form contrasting against the verdant backdrop of the mangroves.“With every movement, the shark seemed to dance among the roots, a testament to the harmony between predator and habitat. The lemon shark, about a foot long, exuded a sense of tranquillity as it navigated the channels, its presence a reminder of the delicate balance within this thriving ecosystem.“Capturing this moment was a privilege, a glimpse into the hidden wonders of the natural world and a testament to the importance of preserving such sanctuaries for generations to come.”

“Citrus Serenity” By Olivier Clement, Bahamas

Mangroves and Landscape category, Highly Commended.This captivating image illustrates the role of mangrove roots in protecting and stabilizing shorelines. All sorts of diverse marine life are adapted to survive in the coastal habitats.“Among the intricate roots of the mangroves, a solitary hermit crab stands guard, symbolizing the delicate balance of our coastal ecosystems.”

“Roots And Refuge” By Mark Kevin Badayos, Philippines

“Moonlit Shadow” By Wyatt Albert, Bahamas

Mangroves and Landscape category, Runner Up.Santiago Gibert Isern captures the unique patterns of the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve in Quintana Roo in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula.During a series of flights to document the reserve’s conservation status at the beginning of the rainy season, the conservation photographer and storyteller noticed the intense colors below.“I asked the pilot if we could make some circles over the lagoon to capture one of the most characteristic processes of the mangroves, the decomposition of the dead leaves that dye the water with their tannins and at the same time nourish such an important ecosystem. The result was an artistic impression where two powerful colors are combined: green and orange — the first one represents life in all its splendor and the second one the regeneration of life.”

“Sian Kaan’s Orange Carpet” By Santiago Gibert Isern, Mexico

“Mangrove Walls Broken” By Dipayan Bose, India

“Nature’s Ribbon” By Ammar Alsayed Ahmed, United Arab Emirates

Mangroves and Wildlife category, Highly Commended.Nele Holstegge captures a hippo peeking out of the water of the river Gambie.“We were driving past the mangroves that line the shores of the river Gambie looking for chimpanzees when I suddenly saw two big eyes peeking out of the water just 2-3 meters away from the boat.“I was amazed at how inconspicuous an animal of this size could be, as I had never seen one before. I only recognized the fly next to its eye when I was editing the photo afterwards.”

“The Hippo And The Yellow Fly” By Nele Holstegge, Gambia

“Mudskipper In Aurora” By Jayanta Guha, India

“Human Hunger” By Star Udyawar, India

“Mangrove Coast” By Balazs Fodor, Indonesia

“The Threatened Future Of Mangroves” By Teja Yantrapalli, India

Mangroves and Threats category, Highly Commended.On Tung Chung Bay, a pair of adult horseshoe crabs encounter each other.“The male horseshoe crab tightly grasps onto the back of the female, on a mission of reproduction. They move up the tidal zone with the rising tide, searching for a suitable place to lay their eggs. But when they reach the mangroves, they become entangled in a huge ghost net. If no one rescues them in time, they will eventually die from prolonged exposure.“This situation is very common in Hong Kong and throughout Asia. Abandoned fishing nets washed ashore become trapped along the high tide line and in mangrove forests, entangling many creatures.“Horseshoe crabs were once abundant and widespread throughout the waters of Hong Kong, up until the early 1980s. Regarded as ‘living fossils’, they have been around for millions of years and play an important role in our coastal ecology.”

“Love Entangled In Ghost Net” By Daphne Wong, Hong Kong

Mangroves and Threats category, Highly Commended.Kallol Mukherjee captures the pretty yet poisonous colors of the local mangroves and surrounding areas.“Nearly 55% of the world’s shrimp production comes from captive farms. What is perceived as a harmless activity providing livelihoods to the local people has a huge ecological footprint while also creating conflict among local communities.“The wastewater from the shrimp farms that are loaded with chemicals, dead shrimp, and faeces is discharged into the mangrove rivers and sea, killing fish and other marine life.”

“Slow Poison” By Kallol Mukherjee, India

Mangroves and Threats category, Highly Commended.Hector Cordero spots a dead black drum in a popular spot in Florida.It’s one of many victims following heavy flooding, which caused changes in the salinity of the local mangroves that are a prime spot for tourists and boating activities.”

“We Go Faster Than Nature” By Hector Cordero, USA

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