Underwater photographer unveils marine plastic problem

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A photo of a cute seahorse winding around a plastic cotton bud while swaying around sea trash has gone viral among global netizens, sounding environmental alarm.

The powerful photo, named “sewage surfer”, was taken near Indonesia's Sumbawa Island by California-based photographer Justin Hofman, who was shortlisted for the Wildlife Photographer of the Year by UK’s Natural History Museum last Tuesday.

Sharing the work on his personal Instagram account, Hoftman describes it as a photo he wished didn’t exist. “But now that it does I want everyone to see it.”

"Sewage surfer" capturing the seahorse grasping to a plastic cotton bud. /Screenshot of Instagram

Hofman captured the moment last December while snorkeling off the coast of Sumbawa Island in Indonesia.

After discovering the seahorse, the photographer tried to capture its cuteness, when a sudden incoming tide brought pieces of trash and sewage while turning the lone swimmer’s ride into a tougher one.

In search of a stable raft, the seahorse landed upon a plastic cotton bud that was washed in by the ocean tide.

“What started as an opportunity to photograph a cute little sea horse turned into one of frustration and sadness,” the 33-year-old photographer wrote.

Wildlife photos taken by Justin Hofman. /Screenshot of Instagram

“This seahorse drifts long with the trash day in and day out as it rides the currents that flow along the Indonesian archipelago. This photo serves as an allegory for the current and future state of our oceans,” Hofman reflected.

“What sort of future are we creating? How can your actions shape our planet?”

The photo went viral online, amounting over 18,000 likes and 1,000 comments.

Hofman interacted with netizens on his Instagram account. /Screenshot of Instagram

“I cannot remember a photo that caused me more feelings than this one.” @repiazzon commented.

Others have shared their own stories of how it had impacted on them.

"The reason the photo has been accepted by so many people all over the world is because it doesn't require a caption," Hofman told Australian Broadcasting Corporation this Tuesday.

Photographer Justin Hofman from California, US. /Facebook Photo

Indonesia is known for having the broadest selection of marine biodiversity in the world. However, the country is also ranked second in its contribution to marine plastic, according to UK’s Natural History Museum.

In response, the country has pledged to reduce the amount of waste being discharged into the ocean by 70 percent by the year of 2025.