UPY 2025

UPY 2019 Marine Conservation - Runner Up
'Killing angels'
João Rodrigues

Mobula rays are caught and brought by villagers to the Munca fishing port (located in eastern Java), the second largest port in Indonesia. A typical victim of bycatch, mobula ray gills are extracted and exported to China to support the rising demand for traditional medicines. This image depicts a local villager processing a mobula with a traditional katana. I chose this dramatic moment, which invokes the exploitation of these charismatic animals, to raise awareness about their cruel reality. This photo was captured during an assignment for National Geographic Portugal. A marine biologist from the University of the Azores, studying the sensory biology of mobulids, led this expedition to develop new methods to reduce bycatch. Without conservation efforts, these winged fish, which swim through the water like angels, may soon be endangered due to overfishing.

Judge's comment: All the judges found this to be probably the most distressing image to view but its uncompromising message must be seen by as many people as possible.
Peter Rowlands