Thomas Haider's Image

Scientists have recently described the remote Raja Ampat islands of West Papua, Indonesia, as one of the world's richest marine ecosystems.

But despite protection zones patrolled by boat and floatplane, migrant fishermen from Sulawesi, lured by high prices paid for shark fins, illegally shark-fish here. While on a research trip, Thomas spotted a boat fishing on the coral reef. As he drew closer, the fishermen threw their catch overboard. Taking his camera under water, Thomas faced this scene. 'A pristine reef offset by freshly mutilated sharks like exclamation marks. A desecration and a terrible waste.'