Mangrove pictures awards showcase a various & fragile ecosystem

The winners of the 11^th annual Mangrove Photography Awards (MPA) have been introduced. The contest, hosted by the U.S.-based Mangrove Action Project, showcases highly effective photographic narratives highlighting the significance of one of many planet’s most significant ecosystems.

This 12 months, a record-breaking 3,300 entries from 78 international locations entered to win in considered one of six classes: wildlife, individuals, landscapes and threats, in addition to underwater and conservation tales.

The 2025 total winner options an aerial view of a roseate spoonbill (Platalea ajaja) flock flying above a lemon shark looking mullet in Florida Bay’s shallow waters.

“Birds’ eye view of the hunt.” Image courtesy of Mark Ian Cook/MPA.

About the picture, contest decide Shin Arunrugstichai mentioned in an announcement: “What a scene! I love the convergence of all the elements in that exact moment. It clearly shows the diversity of life that … depends on the mangrove ecosystem.”

The “wildlife” class options pictures of crocodiles and crabs that one would possibly count on, but additionally extra elusive animals together with tigers (Panthera tigris) in India’s Sundarbans, a proboscis monkey (Nasalis larvatus) in Indonesia and fireflies within the Philippines. One of essentially the most heart-warming photographs includes a mom jungle cat (Felis chaus) snuggling her cub within the Indian Sundarbans.

“Mother’s protection.” Image courtesy of Satyaki Naha/MPA.

The profitable picture within the “threats” class by photographer Tom Quinney reveals an unlimited pile of waste hovering behind a struggling mangrove forest in Bali. “In the past, a major fire burned through the rubbish here, and to this day the landfill continues to grow, pressing against the edge of this delicate mangrove system,” Quinney mentioned within the assertion.

“Paradise buried.” Image courtesy of Tom Quinney/MPA.

The “landscape” class options pictures of beautiful sunsets and the pure fantastic thing about mangroves. A photograph from the United Arab Emirates reveals the juxtaposition of mangroves and the metropolis of Abu Dhabi. “The tidal channels weave through the green forest like lifelines, feeding the city with breath and calm … it’s a message: true progress respects its roots. The mangroves here don’t just shield the shores, they preserve the spirit of balance that every thriving city needs,” photographer Salem Alsawafi mentioned.

“Roots in water peaks in the sky.” Image courtesy of Salem Alsawafi/MPA.

The profitable {photograph} within the “people” class reveals skilled otters feasting on fish after serving to fishermen in Bangladesh, an historic and fading relationship between people and mammals of the mangroves. “There are only a handful of otter fisherman left and their unusual method of fishing has been handed down from father to son for centuries,” photographer Freddie Claire mentioned. “The otters chase fish from the muddy banks into the awaiting nets and after each fishing session get their share of the catch.”

“Bhoben Biseash and his otters.” Image courtesy of Freddie Claire/MPA.

Banner picture: “Flower of Mangrove” reveals a tiger rising from a mangrove in  India. Image courtesy of Kaushik Ghosh/ MPA.