The Other Faces of Underwater Photography: Ethical Dilemmas

In the world of underwater photography, where marine life and seascapes come to life, a disturbing reality lies beneath the surface. A growing number of underwater photographers are resorting to controversial practices, compromising the welfare of sea creatures and sometimes risking their own safety to capture the perfect photo. This article uncovers the truths hidden behind the lens, shedding light on some of the ethical dilemmas associated with underwater photography.

Twisting Nature: 

In an article from Reporterrea french media published in November 2023 there are many parallels which seemed disturbing to me.

In this article it is revealed that Pierre Girard, a naturalist, discovered a system of hiding places (hides) rented by renowned photographers in isolated locations. These hideouts are strategically placed near food sources, with dead animals such as pigs used as bait to attract predators such as bears and wolves. The allure of the perfect photo often comes at the cost of manipulating natural behavior.

How can we not see a parallel with the shark feeding indeed in many places sharks are attracted with bait or chum and are sometimes fed. This very controversial technique brings joy to many and is widely used in certain countries such as the Bahamas or more recently in Fuvahmulah in the Maldives.

Indeed, this tourism creates a parallel economy and can often enable the preservation of shark species. From a photographic point of view the parallel with the hides and baits for wolfs is obvious.

Can we compare the photos of a shark taken during a feeding with the photo of a shark taken in its habitat with a natural behavior?

Can we compare photos taken during a pleasure diving cruise to images taken on an expedition in a remote part of the world? It is two very different processes.

Scuba Influencers :

Underwater photography competitions, celebrated as showcases of artistic skill, are more and more a promotional tool. Many photographs are used to promote destinations or brands of equipment, award-winning photographers essentially function as influencers rather than environmentalists or are enamored with the syndrome of the prophet convinced of saving the planet.

The relentless pursuit of cliché leads some photographers to ignore ethical considerations, putting marine life at risk. Thus captivating scenes of marine life are carefully orchestrated, certain seahorses or nudibranchs are sometimes repositioned forced to adopt specific poses. Whether they are sharks, turtles or seahorses, all this raises one question. Are these images still authentic?

Conservation or Exploitation?

While some argue that orchestrated encounters with marine life can be educational, others point to negative impacts on wildlife behavior and ecosystems. The fine line between conservation and exploitation becomes evident when photographers blur the lines.

The consequences of such practices are obvious: increased human-animal conflicts, reliance on unnatural food sources, and potential risks to the animals themselves.

The Price of Authenticity

Photographers who resist artificial staging face challenges in the age of social media algorithms, where frequent posting of content is essential. The pressure to produce captivating images sometimes leads to compromising ethical standards, raising concerns about the direction of the underwater photography industry.

Balancing Passion and Ethics

The appeal of underwater photography should not overshadow the ethical responsibilities of what is a passion for some and a profession for others. As the industry faces these challenges, a dialogue needs to take place and perhaps we need to reevaluate the impact of underwater photography on the delicate balance of marine ecosystems.

Today in the age of anthropocene it is a necessary call for introspection within the community to ensure that the quest for images is in harmony with the principles of conservation and respect for the natural world.

Editor's note You will find attached this excellent charter which should nevertheless be a reference for all.

sources:  reporters

scubaverse

australian photography

Text and image by christophe chellapermal