UPY 2025

UPY 2019 Marine Conservation - Highly Commended
'Drowned Turtle'
Shane Gross

A fellow dive guide told me the sad story of a sea turtle hooked and tangled in fishing line and drowned. The turtle was long dead when they found it. I went back the next day to remove the hook and line so it didn't claim any more victims. I also brought my camera to document the situation and help raise awareness about our selfish behaviour towards the ocean and her animals. Perhaps this turtle's death can help save others.

Judge's comment: Such a haunting image but it is only by showing it that people's perception might slowly change.
Peter Rowlands