These shocking images show the horrifying amount of plastic waste that exists in the sea.
One shot shows a diver suspended in the sea, but instead of being surrounded by marine life she’s encircled by floating plastic.
Professional photographer and videographer Jukka Saarikorpi took the photographs while filming rays at Manta Point, Indonesia with his fiancée Aissa Paronen.
Aissa Paronen pictured surrounded by rubbish while diving in Indonesia, in a series of horrifying images by photographer and videographer Jukka Saarikorpi
Horrifying images reveal the devastating impact of rubbish on our waters, and the effect on marine life
A manta ray is surrounded by plastic waste in Manta Point in Indonesia, a spot which has over 100 of the marine creatures
He says that the point is home to over 100 rays that are suffering because of the rubbish and described the sight as ‘disturbing’.
The Finnish photographer wants to make people aware of the issue and says that there’s still more that needs to be done.
Jukka, 39, said: ‘There is a tornado of plastic rubbish and manta ray’s swimming towards it. In other pictures my fiancée is diving in this tornado of plastic trash.
Jukka Saarikorpi, the professional diver and videographer who captured the images, pictured with his fiancée Aissa Paronen
Jukka said the scene was ‘sad and disturbing. I have never seen so much trash in one spot’
‘Trash is coming in with currents to this location.
‘The manta population in this area is big – there are over 100 manta’s living in this area.
‘It was sad and disturbing. I have never seen so much trash in one spot and also the fact that this spot is actually a manta cleaning station is worrying.
Jukka Saarikorpis’ fiancée Aissa Paronen swimming alongside the manta rays
An above-water shot of Manta Point in Indonesia, which is a diving hotspot
‘Mantas are plankton eaters so if they get plastic in their system it will stay there and cause issues.
‘There have been over 80,000 views just from my own Facebook page, Jukka Saarikorpi photography.
‘People have shared the images and they have also used them in school projects and smaller media. I’ve had only positive comments on bringing awareness of the issues.
‘I wanted to share the images in order to bring awareness of recycling and the need of proper waste management system in these areas’: Jukka explained his reasons for sharing the shocking pictures
The photographer explains that if a manta ray eats the plastic it can have a lasting impact on them as they are plankton eaters – meaning the plastic will stay in their system
‘This is a global issue and everyone can make a difference’: The 39-year-old was passionate about the work that needs to be done to clean up the seas and oceans
‘I wanted to share the images in order to bring awareness of recycling and the need for proper waste management system in these areas.
‘As a photographer I am entitled to shoot something that is of a disturbing nature and highlight it for other people, in order to drive change for the better.
‘There are several good groups and dive centres helping the locals through teaching about recycling and using less plastic.
‘It’s still a project that needs attention and money from outside and the government. Many people are doing clean-ups and helping already, but this is a global issue and everyone can make a difference.’