Healthy reefs are the foundation of pristine marine ecosystems, where balance is key. At the heart of these ecosystems lies a delicate interplay between sharks, corals, and diverse fish species. Sharks, as apex predators, regulate fish populations, preventing overgrazing on the corals and maintaining species diversity. Corals, in turn, provide vital habitats and shelter for countless marine species, from colorful reef fish to invertebrates. These fish play their role by cleaning algae off the corals, allowing them to thrive and continue building the reef structure.
When this balance is intact, the reef flourishes as a vibrant hub of biodiversity, supporting marine life at every level. However, disruptions—like overfishing or pollution—can throw this balance into chaos, leading to coral degradation and a decline in species. Protecting reefs means protecting this harmonious relationship, ensuring that sharks, corals, and fish can continue to thrive together, sustaining one of the most breathtaking ecosystems on Earth.
These photos were collected over months of slow traveling across the islands of French Polynesia, Fiji, and the Baja California Sur peninsula.
