UPY 2025

UPY  British Waters Compact - Commended
'Fluo thornback skate'
James Lynott

I have been experimenting with underwater fluorescence in Scottish seas for nearly 8 years now and I am still amazed by the species I see that fluoresce under the blue lights. There were plenty of fluorescent subjects to photograph during this particular night dive in Loch Leven back in January 2022, including hermit crabs, sea pens, and cup corals but this small thornback skate made for a really memorable dive. The juvenile skate glowed brightly under the L&M Sola Nightsea lights, showing off patterns that weren’t visible under ‘normal’ white light. It seemed unphased by the bright blue light and I was able to capture some video as well as take a couple of images.

Judge's comment: The beautiful green-glowing ray is another amazing example of James’s ground-breaking fluorescence photography.
Alex Mustard