Julia Ochs Photography

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België
Brussels
Julia Ochs Photography

Photography dedicated to the sea, to all ocean enthusiasts and to those that help protect our oceans

14/05/2025

I still can’t believe it. Yesterday morning in Brussels, I stood alongside NGOs, scientists, and ocean advocates to hand over a petition signed by more than 250,000 people across Europe, demanding an end to bottom trawling in Marine Protected Areas.

In my conversation with Commissioner , I shared not just the facts – but powerful images and stories from my time aboard the trawler. It was a reminder of how powerful imagery can help people truly listen.

I believe Commissioner Kadis cares about the ocean – especially as someone from an island nation. But caring isn’t enough – not anymore. Leadership means making difficult decisions. And in this moment, it means being bold. We count on his leadership.

Image Credits: ©Klaudyna Brzostowska ©Maxime Baldewyns ©European Union 2025

12/05/2025

Tomorrow we’re asking Commissioner Kadis to take a bold step – for the ocean and for Europe’s economic future.

Bottom trawling is one of the most destructive fishing methods on the planet. Dragging heavy nets across the seafloor wipes out fragile habitats in seconds. Most of the marine life caught – much of it bycatch – is discarded like waste.

It’s a short-term profit model with long-term costs. It destroys the ecosystems that fisheries, tourism, and coastal communities rely on. It undercuts small-scale, low-impact fishers and puts entire livelihoods at risk.

That’s why we’re calling for a ban on bottom trawling in all marine protected areas and the inshore zone.

People want protected areas to mean what they say: real protection. It’s time to deliver.

12/05/2025

Just 1 more day to go!

Tomorrow, we hand in 250,000 signatures to at the European Parliament. EU waters are the most bottom-trawled in the world – even inside so-called marine protected areas.

We say over 12% of EU waters are protected — but are they really if we allow this destruction to happen there?

We’re calling for a ban on bottom trawling in all MPAs and the inshore zone.

08/05/2025

Many of you followed my journey aboard a bottom trawling vessel – to document this highly destructive fishing practice. And many of you raised your voices by signing the petition of and demanding a ban on bottom trawling in Marine Protected Areas.

Next Tuesday, I’m honoured to be among the representatives delivering this petition to Costas Kadis, the European Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans.

You and a quarter of a million people across Europe are calling for a ban on bottom trawling in Marine Protected Areas and coastal zones.

This is more than a petition – it’s a powerful message from the public: we expect stronger ocean protection, and we demand an end to this destructive fishing method. Marine Protected Areas must be just that – protected.

Photo of me: .k

08/02/2025

Still energized from WATERWORLD’s opening night! ✨🌊 With over 400 people joining, the space was filled with conversation, curiosity, and a shared fascination for water as a subject of art.

Honored to be one of 17 artists in this incredible exhibition. Through my work, I don’t just want to capture the beauty of our planet—I want to spark conversations about its fragility and the urgent need to protect it.

Grateful for everyone who stopped by! If you’re in the area, make sure to visit—and feel free to reach out if you’d like a guided tour!

04/12/2024

The most important story I have ever told. Please do share 🙏

02/07/2024

Standing on the ice, where it felt like no one before us had ever set foot here before, was an incredible experience. However, despite its remoteness, the Arctic is severely impacted by human activity. Its average temperature has risen nearly three times faster than the global average, making it the fastest-warming region on Earth. This area faces amplified climate crisis effects, intensified by severe pollution, a growing global rush for resources, new shipping routes, and tourism opportunities. Protecting this fragile ecosystem is more urgent than ever.

29/06/2024

One of the most intense moments in my career as a photographer. In May, I had the extraordinary opportunity to join in Svalbard, fulfilling a long-held dream to explore the Arctic with an NGO focused on research and awareness purposes. My mission was to artistically document the beauty of this ecosystem while also capturing its fragility, impacted by climate change. Immersing myself in the icy Arctic waters, where temperatures hover around 0 degrees Celsius, was both a privilege and a profound challenge, and the experience was truly spectacular.

I’m thrilled to announce that the photographs from this expedition will be showcased this coming autumn raising awareness for this important ecosystem and the challenging it’s facing.

Thanks to .tv for documenting these
moments 📷 and thanks to the amazing team of !

20/01/2024

Imagine your neighborhood constantly disrupted by 24/7 construction work – a scenario that could dramatically alter your life and impact your health. This parallel reflects what deep-sea mining poses for marine life, particularly whales. It can lead to problems like hearing loss, water pollution, and an elevated risk of collisions with ocean vessels.

Norway has taken the controversial step of becoming the first country to embrace commercial-scale deep-sea mining.

Despite my deep appreciation for the beauty of this country, my concern grows due to its politics.

12/01/2024

Norway has been one of my favorite places in the world. A place I felt so connected with nature, so inspired and at peace. Knowing that Norway just agreed to open over 280,000 square kilometres of territorial waters, to deep-sea mining is devastating news.

An area nearly the size of Italy located in the Arctic between Svalbard, Greenland and Iceland so full of life will suffer severe consequences from this decision. On top of that the parliament’s decision to move forward with seabed mining against all expert advice is setting a dangerous precedent.

While Norway positions itself on the international stage as an upholder of environmental standards and as a “blue leader”, deep-sea mining would cause irreversible damage to intricate ecosystems and fragile marine habitats.

ℹ️ Deep sea mining is the extraction of minerals from the ocean floor. Research suggests deep-sea mining could severely harm marine biodiversity and ecosystems. It has the potential to destroy Earth’s last wilderness and endanger our largest carbon sink.

06/12/2023

This morning I felt poetic, when I came across this photograph on my harddrive.

In the face of the climate crisis, a profound sense of powerlessness washes over us, leaving us adrift like echoes in the vastness. Yet, within this surrender to the enormity, lies the call to action. Let's transcend the silence, embrace our collective strength, and weave a narrative of resilience.

08/09/2023

What I didn’t expect was this – the best selfie I ever took. But I actually want to talk about something else.

It was January, I hiked up a hill in the middle of the night by myself and I hoped to see northern lights. By the time I was up there the sky was covered in clouds. No northern lights to be seen. Then snow started falling. So I thought, well I might as well try to take a photograph with my head torch while I am there. Then suddenly for a split second the clouds opened up and the camera captured this magic moment.

To me personally this image represents so much. It stands for overcoming my fear being alone in nature in the middle of the night. But also symbolizes hope. When we are surrounded by a lot of negative news it might seem dark. And we might feel hopeless. But eventually the clouds will open up.

Today was such a day. The clouds of feeling overwhelmed by negative news opened up. I had wonderful conversations with amazing people .

People who care and send out so much good energy that it gave me hope. Hope that we can make a difference. And we can create change.

Thank you so much.

Adres

Rue De La Loi 200
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http://www.julia-ochs.com/

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