TheUnderwater Photographer of the Yearis back once again with a whole new reel of images showcasing the sweetheart of the oceans and its fantastic denizen , along with the many challenges they face .
British photographer Richard Barnden snap up the Underwater Photographer of the Year 2019 prize for his natural process - packed gibe , “ The Gauntlet , ” which sees a gang of sharks hunting on a parrot fish on the moonlit Rand of Gallic Polynesia ( above ) .
" As I descend , hundreds of sharks covered the bottom . This ill-fated parrotfish recoil – and that bantam movement alerted the swarm of sharks , " explained Barnden .
" The mayhem hurtled straight towards me and I instinctively pressed the shutter , moment later all that stay was a rain of parrotfish scales in the darkness – and this photo on my photographic camera . "
Dr Alexander Mustard MBE , marine life scientist and submersed photographer , who lead the Book of Judges , add up : “ Photography is about preserve consequence and what an unforgettable instant this is . ”
“ Using a wide angle lens , the photographer ask us into the full dramatic play of the search , as a melee of grey reef shark arise like a breaking wave to pull apart their prey , truly let on the ocean ’s Samuel Wilder side . ”
Eduardo Acevedo from Tenerife , Spain was named Marine Conservation Photographer of the Year 2019 for his color - soaked photo prove a loggerhead turtle in the Caribbean entangled in a discarded plastic fishing net . Given the increasing awareness of pliant pollution , this heartbreaking photograph is all the more relevant .
“ Plastic pollution and ghost fishing are ever increase serious issues jeopardize the ocean , this sad image highlights both issues , ” tell Dr Mustard .
A ball carrier up in the Marine Conservation category was was João Rodrigues for his vicious objective - style photograph of a Mobula ray being chop in half in the Munca fishing port of eastern Java , the second largest port in Indonesia . Although wide eaten in many theatrical role of the world , members of this animal genus are threaten with extermination . Rodrigues shot the image while on assignment for National Geographic Portugal , desire to play up the exploitation of these beautiful animals and raise awareness of their plight .
“ All the judges found this to be believably the most distressing image to view but its uncompromising subject matter must be see by as many people as possible , ” judge Peter Rowlands commented on the photo .
Taeyup Kim was named Up & Coming Underwater lensman of the Year 2019 for his photograph " Paradise , " a technically challenging image buried half in the reef of French Polynesia and half above the water lineage .
“ A perfect under and over split . One of the serious examples I have catch of this type of effigy for some time , " praised judge Martin Edge .
you could contain out a pick of the other winners and moon-curser - up in the gallery below . you’re able to seelast twelvemonth ’s winners decently heretoo .
