Articles

A gorgeous male mandarinfish, on patrol for a mate, Indonesia
 

Charles Samama is a marine biologist and scientific diver based in the south of France, specializing in the study and conservation of marine ecosystems. His work focuses particularly on rays and sharks in the Mediterranean Sea. Charles contributes to several conservation and research initiatives, among which is an ongoing scientific project dedicated to basking sharks that aims to better understand the environmental and ecological factors influencing their presence in the region, as well as deploying tracking tags to monitor their movements and behavior.

From a very young age, Charles developed a deep connection with the ocean. He spent countless hours in the water, beginning with snorkeling before taking up scuba diving around the age of 10. This lifelong fascination with the marine environment gradually evolved into both a profession and a personal mission. Today, the ocean remains at the center of his scientific work, his passions, and his voluntary conservation efforts.

Alongside his research and fieldwork, underwater photography has become an important means of communication and storytelling for Charles. Through his images, he seeks to share his passion for the marine world and to highlight the remarkable diversity, beauty, and fragility of underwater life.
 

A beautiful, healthy shallow reef, illuminated by afternoon sun beams, Indonesia
 

Eye to eye with a colorful bigfin reef squid, Raja Ampat, Indonesia
 

A beautiful flatworm flies through the water, Indonesia
 

A freediver descends towards a stunning field of seagrass, Corsica
 

A pair of mobula rays cruise through the blue, Corsica
 

A well-adapted crinoid shrimp on its host, Raja Ampat, Indonesia
 

A portrait of a colorful peacock mantis shrimp, Indonesia
 

Stunning close-up details of a map puffer, Raja Ampat, Indonesia
 

A candy crab, photographed on its soft coral home, Indonesia
 

A shy Denise pygmy seahorse on its host sea fan, Indonesia
 

A spectacular sea fan, surrounded by marine life, Indonesia
 

A beautiful cowrie, blending in remarkably well with a soft coral, Indonesia
 

Various species of snapper hang out together on the reef, Indonesia
 

Close-up details of the arms of a crinoid, Indonesia
 

To see more of Charles’ wonderful work, please give him a follow on Instagram.