Marine Conservation Photography Competition 2022
Organized by Ocean Conservation Administration, Ocean Affairs Council
“The Oyster Cathedral”
Gold Medal | Underwater Ecology
A planned wreck dive turned into a serendipitous encounter with a drifting oyster farm. Beneath the surface, the mundane bamboo structure transformed into a majestic castle of light and life. Photo by George Kao PhD.
“Juyong Wreck: A Reef Reborn”
Silver Medal | underwater ecology
Off the coast of Yilan, the rusted steel of a warship meets the vibrant colors of an animated dream. The wreck is at about 40m deep, usually with unpredictable current and low visibility , made this photography project quite demanding. I did at least three trips before this one to be prepared for the shot.
Photo by George Kao PhD.
“The Illusory Reflection”
Highly Commanded| underwater ecology
Photographed at the unused water intake of the Lungmen Nuclear Power Plant in Gongliao, Taiwan. An industrial cathedral left in silence.
Photo by George Kao PhD.
“Peace and Prosperity”
Highly Commanded| human and ocean
Captured during the height of the pandemic. While the world came to a standstill, news outlets described Taiwan as a "parallel universe" of peace and prosperity. Underwater, we lived that reality—a parallel universe of peace.
Photo by George Kao PhD.