The Importance of Environmental Awareness in Underwater Photography
Published 08/06/2024 #howto #discover #worldoceandayUnderwater photography provides a unique opportunity to document marine ecosystems but requires a strong commitment to environmental responsibility. By recognizing that technical precision and conservation principles do not oppose, photographers can capture impactful images while minimizing their ecological footprint.
The Fragility of Marine Ecosystems
Marine ecosystems have developed strong interdependence and are susceptible to disruption. Coral reefs, which support approximately 25% of marine species, are particularly vulnerable. They can be damaged by slight physical contact, changes in water temperature, and pollution. Other critical habitats, such as seagrass beds and mangrove forests, also face threats from human activities like coastal development and contamination from waste water or rain run-offs.
As these environments degrade, entire habitats, food webs, and resources become at risk. As underwater photographers, it is vital to recognise the delicate balance of these ecosystems to not further undermine them with unethical diving and photography practices.
Ethical Underwater Photography Practices
To protect marine environments, we believe, at Bubbles & Lenses, that underwater photographers must develop a culture of promoting ethical guidelines.
Don't touch corals or marine animals. Harm can come to both the animal and the diver. See «[irresponsible] Man's Thumb Bitten Off By Eel Surgically Replaced With Toe.»
Proper buoyancy control is essential to prevent accidental contact with the seabed or reef structures. Realize that some of them have been around longer than the Earth is said to revolve around the Sun.
Don't chase marine life to avoid causing stress or disturbance. Let the animal come to you and allow it to flee (e.g.: do not corner a shark where it cannot calmly and safely escape)
Ensure all equipment and waste are removed from the water. Take pictures through your lens and leave nothing but bubbles.
Follow local guidelines and regulations to support conservation efforts. The only rules you can bend are photography composition rules.
We must ask ourselves if a photo is worth the collateral damage, and it probably never is. Instead, learn to work the challenge as a diving and photography opportunity, leaving room to try again on another dive.
The Role of Photographers in Conservation
As underwater photographers, we can significantly contribute to marine conservation. Our images can raise awareness, support scientific research, and promote the importance of preserving marine environments. By documenting the state of marine ecosystems, we can influence public perception and support conservation initiatives. Expand the photos below to see how a photograph can lead to better conservation.
«Fish seeking protection in single use plastic cup»
Credit: Naja Bertolt Jensen / Ocean Image Bank
Great Barrier Reef: Photographers have documented coral bleaching events, providing valuable data for scientists and raising global awareness about the impacts of climate change.
Credit: The Ocean Agency / Ocean Image Bank, "Coral bleaching on the Great Barrier Reef", 2017
High-quality images of sharks have helped shift public opinion, emphasizing the need for their protection and supporting conservation measures. In Palau, one shark is worth $1.9 Mn of tourism revenue over its lifetime, as opposed to $500 worth of shark fins.
This image is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic license. © Nicholas Wang "Fresh shark fins drying on sidewalk at Hong Kong"
Photographic documentation of thriving marine life within Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) has demonstrated their effectiveness, encouraging the establishment of additional protected zones.
Moorish idol (Zanclus cornutus) in Nusa Penida MPA. Credit © Van Trinh#HowTo Further Minimise Environmental Impact
Plan your destination and dives: Research and select dive sites and operators carefully to avoid sensitive areas and minimize impact on marine life. Should you use strobes during Thresher shark interactions in Malapascua? How are whale sharks or manta rays treated during interactions?
Take care of your equipment: Ensure all gear is in good condition and environmentally safe. Avoid products that contain harmful chemicals. Is your engine leaking oil? Did you apply reef-safe sunscreen?
Learn to observe: Spend time observing the environment before capturing images to reduce disturbance and capture natural behaviours. A blenny that retreats inside its burrow may eventually crawl back out to greet you with its funny globulous eyes.
Stay informed: Whether about wildlife or marine conservation issues, share this knowledge within the diving and photography communities.
The Power of Photography in Conservation
Underwater photography is a powerful tool for conservation. By combining technical expertise with a commitment to environmental responsibility, photographers can produce images that educate and inspire action. Each photograph or video can serve as evidence of the need to protect marine ecosystems, fostering a culture of conservation and sustainable practices. Use your skills and creativity to advocate for the preservation of the underwater world, ensuring its beauty and biodiversity for future generations.
At Bubbles & Lenses, we must dive with care, shoot with precision, and advocate for marine conservation through our photography: since 2024, the team behind Bubbles & Lenses also volunteers to capture images during community impact events such as underwater cleanups or reef surveys, collecting important data about the health of the reefs. Once interpreted by a local marine biologist, the data supports the local representatives by providing the observations required for effective management and policies.
To know more:
UN's Sustainable Development Goals #14: Life Below Water
National Geographic's Pristine Seas project
Saigon Divers Club Conservation trip #1 - Dive Against Debris
