UPY 2023

UPY  Award Winners - ‘Save Our Seas Foundation’ Marine Conservation Photographer of the Year 2022
'Hopeless'
Alvaro Herrero (Mekan)

A humpback whale dies a slow, painful and agonizing death after having its tail entangled in a ropes and buoys, rendering its tail completely useless. A reflection of what not only our oceans are suffering, but also our planet, the product of man's selfishness and lack of responsibility. Taking this photograph was, for me, the saddest moment I've experienced in the ocean. Especially because I have spent so much time with humpbacks underwater, experiencing eye contact, interactions, and seeing with my own eyes how they are sentient and intelligent beings. But I'm "happy" to being able to capture that moment and show the world what is happening, what we are doing. I really hope this image make us aware , open our eyes and drive us in to make real changes.

Judge's comment: What a stunning image and what a message that it delivers. I can't imagine the sadness when this poor whale has been discovered, but also a good decision to take a few images to actually get a message of awareness out to the public. For me it was clear from the beginning that this image is the winner of the category. Well done.
Tobias Friedrich