In late 2008, Sterling Zumbrunn, CI's Director of Photography, traveled to southeastern Brazil to explore and photograph the Abrolhos Bank and surrounding areas.

CI has been working in the great, shallow shelf off Brazil’s coast for years, and focusing closely on ways to protect the stunning diversity the area holds. In 2000, CI helped create the Corumbau Extractive Reserve to allow local fisherman to continue their cultural livelihood while protecting the reserve from outside fleets. The reserve, alongside ongoing exploration and discovery of deep new coral reefs, both allows for the protection of marine ecosystems and a sustainable local fishery that depends on the region's rich marine life.

READ MORE: Open Your Eyes to Coral

Each year, CI works with partner BG Group – a global natural gas company – to record and present compelling images from CI projects around the world. CI and BG’s Conservation through Photography Alliance believes in the power of imagery to change minds and create action.

These photographs from Abrolhos can do just that.

IN PHOTOS: Abrolhos: Marine Treasures