Ocean Lungs

Oxygen is fundamental to life on Earth. It surrounds all of us constantly, sustaining every breath we take. Yet, the origin of this life-giving element remains hidden beneath the ocean's surface. The ocean is responsible for producing nearly 50% of the planet’s oxygen, a vital contribution that often goes unseen and unnoticed.

Kelp produces 70% more oxygen than land-based plants. This plant species is also key in the carbon sequestration process.

During the development of this project I was drawn to the contrast between the invisibility of this process and its immense impact. My intention was to visually explore and interpret the often overlooked phenomenon of oceanic oxygenation. Aiming to strike a balance between the poetic and the scientific, I went out with the mindset of photographing the wonder of this subject, whilst also offering an educational perspective.

Marine plant life such as kelp, seagrass, and other underwater flora play a vital role in the ocean’s oxygen cycle and so these species became central to my visual narrative. I sought to capture their ethereal beauty and ecological importance, inviting viewers to reflect on the unseen forces that sustain life beneath the waves.

Seagrass is another major contributor to the marine oxygenation process. Across the globe there are many organizations aiming to restore meadows of seagrass to enhance carbon sequestration and ocean oxygen release.

This series is both a celebration of marine ecosystems and a reminder of their vital, yet fragile, contribution to our planet’s health.