Ocean Artists Society ™

Tony Wu

Since taking up underwater photography in 1994, I have devoted my life to conveying stories about, and lessons derived from, the riches of the marine world, especially to people who haven't yet, or may never, visit the oceans. My philosophy for underwater photography is simple: create the most aesthetically pleasing images possible to capture people's attention and imagination, then engage my audience, with the objective of getting others to care as much about the seas, and hence all the natural world, as much as I do. In this endeavor, I have successfully organized campaigns to ask multinational companies such as Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways, Disney Hong Kong, Diners Club Hong Kong and others to remove shark fin from corporate menus, and I have encouraged mass media outlets throughout Asia to engage in discussions and debates about marine conservation. I focus my efforts on Asia, one because I'm Asian, and two, because this region is where the greatest demand for, and growth in demand for, products like shark fin lies. In short, ocean art is the means by which I hope to leave my (hopefully positive) mark on the world.