Alex Mustard's Image

Diving beneath the oil rig, Alex had to anticipate when the cormorants would burst through the fish shoal. The birds hide behind the legs of the rig after they plunge into the dark waters, gaining the element of surprise. Alex used an underwater corrector lens, which allowed him to use his land lens underwater.

Drilling for oil is not generally considered beneficial for wildlife, yet oil rigs can provide shelter and a rich food supply for many animals, including Brandt’s cormorants. These birds are skilled pursuit divers, crashing into the water, their strong feet propel them forward so they can chase shoaling fish.