UPY 2025

UPY  British Waters Living Together - Winner
'Rusty Haven'
Dan Bolt

This images shows nature’s ability to make the best of a bad situation. The iron block and heavy chain are actually holding a small barge in-place on the surface where local scallop divers store their equipment. The barge itself is a floating reef system all of it own, and the anchor blocks have attracted many species too.
I was actually practising for a different underwater photography competition when I took this shot. For a couple of days before an on-the-day ‘splash in’ competition, this crab was consistently in this position, or very close by. Sadly on the day it was no-where to be seen! Happily for me though that meant I was able to use my practice photos for UPY!

Judge's comment: A well chosen angle to include just enough background to combine visual depth with location. The chain links starting off powerful in the foreground then receding delicately out of the scene topped by the small inquisitive fish entering the top of the frame. A worthy winner.

Peter Rowlands