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Scott Portelli (Australia) shares the object of his focus with an inquisitive sea lion.
Scott's fascination with an elaborately camouflaged leafy seadragon piqued the curiosity of an Australian sea lion off the coast of Cape Le Grand National Park, Western Australia. Rolling in the kelp, the sea lion investigated Scott's muse without disturbing it.
Found only in Australian waters, Australian sea lions were heavily hunted in the past. Today, they remain endangered due to entanglement in fishing nets and human disturbance. Leafy seadragons only live along the western coast of Australia, hiding amongst kelp, other seaweeds and seagrass. But the kelp beds they rely on are becoming increasingly damaged by human activity and pollution.
Without these kelp forests, leafy seadragons are unable to camouflage or shelter and sea lions are forced to hunt in open waters, risking attacks from great white sharks and orcas. Scott's dual portrait captures a rarely seen interaction between these two elusive species.
How you can help
Discover the incredible stories of life on our planet through powerful photography and expert insight.
Tickets on sale now.
Australia
Scott has spent more than two decades working in the underwater environment, producing a unique portfolio of underwater photography that showcases this intricate environment and its intriguing inhabitants. Working in extreme conditions, Scott produces photography that provides a rarely seen glimpse above and below the surface in some of the harshest places on the planet.
Help us harness the power of photography to advance scientific knowledge, spread awareness of important issues and nurture a global love for nature.