TEDxFlanders 2011: Photographer and Environmentalist Dos Winkel

Dutchman Dos Winkel originally studied physiotherapy but it was his innate love for nature and the sea that ultimately defined his course in life. At the age of 10 he new the Latin and Dutch names of many local plants and shells. He started underwater photography in 1983 and since then has been on about 120 expeditions worldwide together with his wife Bertie, also a professional photographer.

Dos is renowned for his stunning close-ups of underwater life. He won many international photography awards and his photos have been published in prominent magazines all over the world. His books 'Another World' and 'Faces of the Deep', are sold in more than 50 countries. Dos is a board member of the Sea First Foundation in Belgium.

For decades, man has been catching more fish than nature is providing. Industrial fishing leads to the disappearance of coral banks which are natural breading sites. The North Sea, once one of the richest fishing areas, has been converted into an industrial quagmire. Worldwide, many underwater species are in danger of extinction. With his spectacular photos of oceans and sea life, Dos focuses attention on their welfare and strives to turn the tide.