One Summer Day: A young Whale shark swims at the surface on a calm summer day, Mu Koh Chumphon National Park, Chumphon, Thailand

Sirachai “Shin” Arunrugstichai is a Thai photojournalist who specializes in marine conservation stories. Originally trained as a marine biologist, Shin studied community-based coral reef restoration and sharks in Thai commercial fisheries. However, after witnessing detrimental changes in the marine environment that he loves, he shifted his career toward photojournalism to tell the stories of our intertwining relationships with the oceans and highlight the natural wonders that remain and need protection.

As a National Geographic Explorer, a Fellow of the International League of Conservation Photographers, and a Vital Impacts' Sylvia Earle Grant recipient, Shin’s work spans from environmental crises to social issues. He often works with conservation organizations, including IUCN, Save Our Seas Foundation, WildAid, World Wildlife Fund, and often covers news for Getty Images. His photographs have been published by National Geographic, the New York Times, the Washington Post, and the Guardian, amongst others, and received multiple prestigious awards, including Wildlife Photographer of the Year, Ocean Photographer of the Year, and Pictures of the Year International. 

When not in the field, Shin contributes to shark and ray research in Southeast Asia as a co-founder of Thai Sharks and Rays, a collaborative marine science initiative.