A mesmerising shot of a school (fever) of cownose rays swimming in graceful formation through filtered sunlight water has won the inaugural UNDERWATER! 2021 Photography Competition.
As part of Northern Beaches Council's Ocean Festival 2021, the competition showcased amazing images of underwater life at the five Aquatic Reserves on the Northern Beaches by new, emerging and established underwater photographers.
The competition's judges said Mauro Barberis's winning image Fever had the 'wow' factor.
"This photograph is a dynamic composition focussed on the rays and rocks with the sunlight highlighting the gracefulness of the fever of cownosed rays. The feeling of diagonal flow and motion in the image is outstanding."
The aim of the exhibition was to celebrate the flora and fauna of the five Aquatic Reserves on the Northern Beaches in line with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 14) of preserving 'Life Below Water'.
Mauro Barberis said: "As a passionate advocate for conservation and mindfulness, I hope to inspire and educate people about the delicate state of our ocean and how our interaction with the water can help us evolve, connect with ourselves while in harmony with the elements, and hopefully protect what we now begin to understand and love."
CEO Ray Brownlee said the exhibition was a success with 48 entries submitted.
"We were very happy to have so many entries for the competition and would like to thank Council's co-sponsor for the event, the NSW Department of Primary Industries, Fisheries."
The competition's People's Choice award was won by Raymonda Dijkwel for her image, Porcupine.
The photo is a stunning image of a porcupine fish, taken while scuba diving at night, staring straight into the lens of the photographer's camera, drawn by the dive lights.
Other competition winners included:
Marine Flora category - Andreas Karlsson for Luxurious real estate, both above and below the sea
The judges said: "The image is a good mix of marine algae sachan Sargassum and kelp that represents the underwater eco system of Cabbage Tree Bay. It invites the viewer to explore the underwater world and also shows how accessible it is to everyone, in an urban environment."
Marine Fauna category - Johnavan Ford for Circle of Life
The judges said: "A cracking captive image highlighting the predation of one shark (crested horn) eating the egg of another shark (Port Jackson). This animal behaviour is a unique event to photograph."
Marine Megafauna category - John Sear for Dawn Patrol
The judges said: "A spectacular display of sunlight through water with the Dusky Whaler sharks silhouetted. The image conveys a sense of calm foreboding as the light spills across the underwater landscape."
Highly Commended - Alejandro Trevino for The Secret Cave
The judges said: "A wonderful exploration of the underwater world that captures marine flora, fauna and megafauna in an intriguing and magical way. Five different species of fish and two Port Jackson sharks along with kelp and brown algaes that are representative of the marine environment ...in Cabbage Tree Bay."
The judges for the competition were Dr David Harasti, Marine Researcher and Underwater Photographer (lead judge), Katherine Roberts, Senior Curator of the Manly Art Gallery & Museum (MAG&M) and Tim Hixson, renown Northern Beaches photographer.
All the winning entries can be viewed on Council's website.
