2008: Animals in their Environment - Runner-up
Brian Skerry (United States of America)
Shark nursery
'I spotted this newborn lemon shark pup on the coast of Bimini in the Bahamas. It was enjoying the safety and sustenance of its mangrove nursery lagoon. I like this picture because I believe it shows a different perspective of sharks, that they are simply one important part of a bigger ecosystem.' Lemon shark pups are only about 60 centimetres long, shorter than a human adult's arm. They are born live, along with up to 17 littermates, and spend a couple of years in the nursery before moving into open sea. Mangroves are critical nurseries for many fish - especially lemon sharks - and protect the coast from storm surges. But the development of new holiday resorts means the mangroves are starting to be cleared.
Nikon D2X + Nikon 16mm lens; 1/160 sec at f8; ISO 200; Subal housing; two Sea & Sea YS350 strobes on 1/4 power.
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