Turtle gem

Armeñime, a small cove off the south coast of Tenerife, is a hotspot for green sea turtles. They forage there on the plentiful seagrass and are used to divers. Jordi cruised with this one in the shallow, gin-clear water over black volcanic sand. ‘The dazzling colours, symmetry and textured patterns were mesmerising,’ says Jordi, ‘and I was able to compose a picture to show just how beautiful this marine treasure is.’ Like the other seven species of sea turtles, the green sea turtle is endangered, with populations declining worldwide. The many threats include habitat degradation, building development on their breeding beaches, ingestion of rubbish such as plastics and entanglement in fishing gear.

Photograph Details

Commended 2012

Underwater Worlds

Jordi Chias, Spain

Turtle gem

Armeñime, a small cove off the south coast of Tenerife, is a hotspot for green sea turtles. They forage there on the plentiful seagrass and are used to divers. Jordi cruised with this one in the shallow, gin-clear water over black volcanic sand. ‘The dazzling colours, symmetry and textured patterns were mesmerising,’ says Jordi, ‘and I was able to compose a picture to show just how beautiful this marine treasure is.’ Like the other seven species of sea turtles, the green sea turtle is endangered, with populations declining worldwide. The many threats include habitat degradation, building development on their breeding beaches, ingestion of rubbish such as plastics and entanglement in fishing gear.

Technical specification

Canon EOS 7D + Tokina 10-17mm lens at 10mm; 1/80 sec at f11; ISO 160; custom-made housing; two Inon flashes.

Armeñime, Tenerife, Canary Islands

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Jordi Chias, Spain

Jordi is a freelance photographer based in Barcelona. He specialises in photographing the underwater world, capturing both wildlife and human activity. His work has been published in magazines and books, and has been used by conservation organisations. His photography has also garnered awards in many competitions.