Finalist - Travel Photographer of the Year. December 2019.

Endangered Planet Portfolio Category

Sharks and Rays

Lemon sharks derive their name from the yellow and brown tone of their skin, which is delicately pitted like the skin of citrus fruit. Perfect camouflage for when they’re in hunting mode, skimming over a sandy seabed. They’re easy to get close to underwater as they have a gentle, trusting disposition.

Lemons are targeted for their fins, meat and beautiful skin. Shark and ray leather, known as Shagreen, is controversially used to make luxury accessories; wallets, handbags, belts, shoes and home furnishings.

Worldwide, we are losing an estimated 100 million sharks a year to trades like this, for shark-fin soup and meat, as bycatch in commercial fishing, from habitat loss and poaching. Their very existence is right on the brink.

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Shortlisted for the People's Choice Award
Travel Photographer of the Year. December 2019.

Location: Open Ocean, Little Bahama Bank, The Bahamas

Photographer: Laura Storm