Green haven

Thomas Peschak's Image

Thomas waited weeks for a still night and a high tide to capture these green turtles, grazing on the expansive seagrass beds of the atoll’s lagoon. Complemented by a beautiful Seychelles sunset and clear glassy water, his shot was one of perfection, portraying a calm and gentle paradise.

The Aldabra Atoll is a haven for these endangered turtles, whose numbers have been depleted by years of hunting, disease and habitat destruction. It is now estimated that there are only 5,500 nesting females – it can take up to 40 years for females to become reproductively mature.

Behind the lens

Thomas Peschak

Thomas Peschak

Germany/South Africa

Thomas is a National Geographic Photographer and Explorer. He’s a marine biologist who turned to photojournalism to broaden his impact in conservation. Thomas has photographed 15 magazine feature stories for National Geographic and has authored and photographed eight books, including his most recent Wild Seas for National Geographic. As the Director of Storytelling for the Save our Seas Foundation, Thomas merges science and visual journalism to tackle critical marine conservation issues. Plus, his TED Talk titled Dive into an Ocean Photographer’s World has been viewed more than one million times.

Image details

  • Nikon D3
  • 14–24mm f2.8 lens at 14mm
  • 1/250 sec at f7.1  •   ISO 400
  • Aldabra Atoll, Seychelles
Copyright in WPY competition photographs remains the property of the respective photographers. You may not copy, share, reproduce or republish the photographs except as expressly permitted by copyright law. For media image usage enquiries, please contact us.

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