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Ralph Pace's Image
Ralph Pace (USA) beautifully illuminates the egg case of a swell shark, tethered to the base of a giant kelp.
Faced with strong currents pushing him from side to side, Ralph struggled to keep steady to photograph this egg case, or ‘mermaid’s purse’.
He lit the case from behind to reveal the swell shark embryo within. Its gill slits and yolk sac are clearly visible among the dark kelp forest.
Researchers estimate that kelp forests in Monterey Bay have declined by more than 95% over the past 34 years.
This makes swell sharks vulnerable because they depend on kelp to lay their leathery eggs.
Behind the lens
Ralph Pace
USA
Ralph is a freelance underwater and environmental photojournalist based in California, USA. He holds a graduate degree from Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Ralph is a member of The Photo Society and is represented by Minden Pictures. During the winter months, he works with Whale Trust documenting humpback whale research in Maui, Hawaii.
Image details
- Nikon D850
- 28–70mm f3.5–4.5 lens
- 1/125 at f14 • ISO 640 • Nauticam housing • 2x Sea & Sea strobes
- Monterey Bay, California, USA
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