UPY 2025

UPY  Coral Reefs - Runner Up
'Gardens of the Caribbean Reef Shark'
Jenny Stock

Filling my frame with purple sea fans and porous sea rod, I settled low on the seabed, concealing myself and my camera as much as possible in the hope of a close pass from the circling Caribbean reef shark. Hunkered down, I waited for the perfect moment. Finally, this creature elegantly swam into my frame, its shiver visible in the background, adding dramatic depth to my image.
Jardines de la Reina has been a successfully protected national marine park since 1996. Today fishing and visitor numbers are restricted and its ninety mile long archipelago of reefs are renowned for pristine corals and flourishing marine life. Caribbean reef sharks can grow up to three meters long and are one of the largest apex predators in the reef ecosystem.

Judge's comment: A great example of how the apex predators flourish in a protected marine park. The dramatic low angle emphasises the power of the main subject and the additional light freezes the action and brings out the healthy colours.

Peter Rowlands