UPY 2025

UPY  British Waters Living Together - Commended
'Plumose Pier'
Billy Arthur

This pier is a great example of how man made structures can create a sheltered habitat for many different marine species. Situated in a high energy site there is clearly plenty food and nutrients brought in on the tides for these plumose anemones to flourish. Watching the large shoal of juvenile fish swim around the pier legs was mesmerising, they are presumably using the structure as a nursery site. The bright conditions helped me balance the lighting in the scene. It was a challenge keeping the bubbles from my regs out of shot, as I was shooting almost directly towards the surface.

Judge's comment: The leg of a pier is entirely covered in delicate cream coloured plumose anemones. I love this image as it shows how nature makes use of every surface underwater.
Alex Mustard