Emery shines a light on our underwater world inside Atmos Vol 9

In 2023 in an effort to emphasise the need for well-regulated marine protected areas, Emery created a portfolio of 100+ underwater photographs documenting the Wakatobi National Park. Wakatobi is a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve in Southeast Sulawesi, and stands as a testament to more than two decades of collective conservation efforts resulting in having the highest number of reef and fish species in the world. All images were photographed within the bounds of the Wakatobi National Park.

In the mid 90s Emery’s father co-established Wakatobi, a Dive Resort and Collaborative Reef Conservation Program within the Tukang Besi Archipelago, which at the time turned 6km of privately sponsored reef sanctuaries into an effective no-fishing zone. By 2002 the success of ongoing efforts set a precedent for human rights based conservation, leading the Indonesian government to expand the area to over 1.39 million hectares and creating what is known today as Wakatobi National Park. In 2012 it was added to the list of UNESCO Biosphere Reserves, recognising it as one of the most biodiverse marine habitats with the highest number of reef and fish species in the world. 

Well-enforced marine protected areas can provide significant ecological benefits, increase resilience to natural and anthropogenic disturbances, and allow for ecosystem recovery. Our oceans are the largest ecosystem on Earth, they feed us, regulate our climate, and generate most of the oxygen we breathe. We must support their protection.