Clouds of Gold | Wildlife Photographer of the Year

Jassen Todorov’s Image

Jassen Todorov (USA) depicts the clouds reflected in salt ponds that span San Francisco Bay.

Flying his single-engine Piper Warrior into San Francisco International Airport, Jassen never tires of the changing colours of the ponds.

On this occasion, he says, “the light during the golden hour, at sunset, was magnificent”.

The process of salt collection in the bay was industrialised in the 1800s.

Since 2003, the South Bay Salt Pond Restoration Project has acquired 6,000 hectares (nearly 15,000 acres).

The project is removing artificial dykes to recreate tidal marsh habitat. This is allowing salt-tolerant plants and wildlife to flourish once more.