News
Announcing the winners of the 2017 British Photography Awards: Water Life
The British Photography Awards have announced their first year’s winners and shortlisted photographers in an online gallery showcasing the best of British Photography. Around 6,300 photos were accepted for entry into the competition which raised thousands of pounds for charity. Here are the winners and shortlisted images in the Water Life category:
Winner: ‘Water Vole (Arvicola amphibius)’ – Terry Whittaker – In Support of Shelter
“15 years ago I was involved in the reintroduction of water voles to a stream in mid-Kent, from which they had become extinct several years earlier. I continued to monitor the voles and photograph their progress building a considerable body of work. This image is of a vole in an old land drain covered in liverwort. East Malling, Kent.”
Runner-Up: ‘In The Dead Man’s Forest’ – Kirsty Andrews – In Support of The Wildlife Trusts
“This tiny amphipod (Iphimedia obesa) is living in a forest of polyps at the end of a “dead man’s finger” (Alcyonium digitatum). The extended polyps indicate that the soft coral is feeding from the nutrients delivered by the tide. This site contains a forest of dead men’s fingers on the sea floor and if you look closely you can see the amphipods darting from one to another, going about their business unperturbed by diving photographers. Lochcarron, Wester Ross, Scotland.”
Short-Listed Images
Happy Shark Wave – Will Clark – In Support of The Wildlife Trusts
Grey Seal Pup – John Moncrieff – In Support of Help For Heroes
Scotty McSquattie – Kirsty Andrews – In Support of The Wildlife Trusts
Lodberry Shoal – Cy Sullivan – In Support of The Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust
Compass Jellyfish – Malcolm Nimmo – In Support of The Wildlife Trusts
See all the images from the 2017 British Photography Awards and find out how to enter in 2018 at: www.britishphotographyawards.org
News
Spooktacular Underwater Adventure: Oyster Diving’s First Halloween Scuba Party at Mercers Lake
Last Thursday, Oyster Diving transformed Mercers Lake into a hauntingly unforgettable underwater realm for their inaugural Halloween Scuba Party. Approximately 20 intrepid divers plunged into the darkness, weaving through a mesmerising scene of spectral decorations, glow sticks, and eerie underwater pumpkins.
After the thrilling night dive, participants gathered to feast on a ghoulish spread of pumpkin soup, chilli con carne, and decadent fudge brownies, perfect fuel for the frightful festivities.
With a resounding success, Oyster Diving is excited to announce plans for this event to become an annual tradition. Next year, look forward to a fully licensed bar and live music, promising an even spookier celebration under the moonlit waters.
Join us next Halloween for an experience that promises to be a haunting delight!
Find out more about Oyster Diving at oysterdiving.com.
Marine Life & Conservation
Shark Trust launches Oceanic 31 Shark Art Auction
After a two-year tour of UK art galleries, community spaces and aquariums, the Shark Trust’s acclaimed Oceanic31 exhibition takes its final bow at the Royal Geographical Society later this month. And the unique collection of artwork, depicting 31 species of oceanic sharks and rays, donated by 31 artists, is now open for bids from art lovers and shark enthusiasts. The online auction, launched today, will close on the 7th December at 8pm (BST). The money raised will support the Shark Trust Oceanics Programme.
People can now bid on 27 of the artworks by visiting this website:
https://superstars-auctions.com/sharktrustauction
It is a chance to own a beautiful piece of original art and to support the Shark Trust. The timing of the auction also means that these would make a very special Christmas gift for any shark-lover.
The diversity of pieces mirrors that of the sharks and rays they represent. You can bid on paintings, digital creations, sculptures, mixed media and more. You can pick your favourite artist or species of shark. Or you can select the perfect artwork to make a statement in your home or office. Whichever you choose, you will be supporting the work to protect these amazing animals.
One of the pieces of art has been selected to be auctioned live by Steve Backshall at the For the Love of Sharks event at the Royal Geographical Society in London on the 29th November. In addition to this, two further pieces will be raffled at this event, giving people a chance to win an incredible piece of shark art. For the Love of Sharks is the Shark Trust’s flagship evening. A night to celebrate sharks. Steve Backshall is the headline speaker at this event that will see other prominent shark advocates join him on stage.
Tickets for the event can be snapped up here:
https://thesharktrust.org.uk/Event/flos24
Those that would like to see the Oceanic 31 exhibition have one final chance. It is being displayed at the Pavilion at the Royal Geographic Society from 26th November until the 7th December. Entry is free.
Find out more here:
https://www.rgs.org/events/upcoming-events/oceanic-31
Paul Cox, Shark Trust CEO, Said “This exhibition has given us the opportunity to reach out to a new audience. And inspire more people with the wonderful sharks and rays on which our Big Shark Pledge campaign is based. We are immensely grateful to the 31 artists who have worked so hard to create these works.”
Bid for your favourite Oceanic 31 artwork here:
https://superstars-auctions.com/sharktrustauction
Banner Image: Smooth Hammerhead by Alicia Hayden
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