Picking Through the Bones

Daniel Browne's Image

Daniel Browne (Australia) swims above the spectacle of scavenging sharks taking advantage of a whale carcass.

By the time Daniel reached this whale carcass, more than 100 sharks were picking the last pieces of flesh from its bones.

He says this behaviour, which is rarely seen, is a reminder that sharks are vital for maintaining healthy ecosystems such as Ningaloo Reef.

Ningaloo is a World Heritage listed site. Stretching for 300 kilometres (186 miles), it is home to more than 700 fish, 300 coral, 155 sponge and 600 crustacean species, as well as humpback whales, dolphins, manta rays and dugongs.


Behind the lens

Daniel Browne

Daniel Browne

Australia

Daniel is an underwater photographer based out of the Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia. Born in Fremantle, Australia, he’s always been fascinated with the ocean and found a passion for capturing the underwater world. After moving to Ningaloo, he got a job as a tour guide with Coral Bay Eco Tours, which has allowed him to put together an awesome portfolio of shots from across the region.

Image details

  • Sony α7 II
  • 16mm f2.8 fisheye lens
  • 1/400 at f7.1  •   ISO 400
  • Coral Bay, Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia, Australia
Copyright in WPY competition photographs remains the property of the respective photographers. You may not copy, share, reproduce or republish the photographs except as expressly permitted by copyright law. For media image usage enquiries, please contact us.

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