Cold-water fjords in Patagonia, Chile. Credit: Oceana

Members of Oceana's Chile office just returned from an expedition to the Patagonian fjords in southern Chile, and they took some breathtaking photos, including the one you see here. The expedition was part of their ongoing efforts to study the marine wildlife of the Patagonian town of Tortel and the surrounding fjords. Oceana's goal is ultimately to establish a Marine Protected Area over 4.5 million acres.

The area's pristine ecosystems face threats from the southward movement of Chile’s salmon aquaculture industry. The introduction of aquaculture to the area would increase pollution, threaten wild fish populations and negatively affect tourism opportunities.

Check out the rest of the photos in the slideshow and even more at Oceana Chile's site. Warning: you'll probably end up Googling plane ticket prices to Chile.