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Forbes
2 days ago
- General
- Forbes
Shark Trust Announces 2025 Photography Winners
The winning image, shot by Julian Hebenstreit in Australia, features the golden body of a Zebra ... More Shark set against dark rock and pale sand. At first glance it's a simple photograph, but its composition and contrast evoke the delicate state of shark survival today. Today on July 14, Shark Awareness Day, the Shark Trust announced the winners of its 2025 Shark Photographer of the Year competition. With over 1,200 known species of sharks and rays in the ocean, the competition invited photographers from around the world to capture these animals in their natural environments. And they delivered. Entries came in from 34 countries, showcasing 76 different species including rarely seen chimeras, the Critically Endangered great hammerhead (Sphyrna mokarran), and the graceful zebra shark (Stegostoma tigrinum; also known in the Indo-Pacific as the leopard shark). 'The highlight of the photography competition for me is the wonderful diversity of sharks and rays represented and the quality of images across the board," said Paul Cox, Shark Trust CEO. 'We're grateful to each and every one of the photographers for taking part and sharing their love of sharks with the world.' The winning image, shot by Julian Hebenstreit in Australia, features the golden body of a zebra shark set against dark rock and pale sand. 'When I think back to the moment of this capture, I remember the stark contrast between the wild and uncomfortable outside and the calm and quiet world below the water,' he explained. 'I selected this image because it reminds me why I do what I do. Why I dive, why I explore, and try to protect. It's not just about documenting wildlife; it's about conveying the fragile beauty of the ocean in a way that makes people care.' At first glance it's a simple photograph, but its composition and contrast evoke the delicate state of shark survival today. Small in the frame and surrounded by vast, shadowy rock, the picture is a stand-in symbol on how these ancient animals now face mounting threats in an increasingly uncertain environment. Hector Clarke earned the UK title with his image of a Small-Spotted Catshark resting on a bed of ... More brittle stars in Scotland's Loch Carron. This year's panel of judges, including Shark Trust patron Simon Rogerson, praised the photo's subtle storytelling, calling it a 'treasure in dark times.' But Hebenstreit wasn't the only one honored. The competition also recognized a British and Overseas Winner. Hector Clarke earned the UK title with his image of a small-spotted catshark (Scyliorhinus canicula) resting on a bed of brittle stars in Scotland's Loch Carron. His shot underscores the importance of seabed habitats, which support a surprising amount of biodiversity; from the intricately patterned shark to the vivid starfish beneath it, the image is a reminder that many animals rely on the seafloor to survive. Meanwhile, the Overseas Winner, Martin Broen, captured a black-and-white split-shot showing a school of rays swimming below a boat off the coast of Mexico during a mobula ray migration. His image, elegant and dramatic, shows the connection between what's above and below the surface — and who's watching whom. 'Below the surface, a dense school of rays forms a luminous, geometric ballet, their bodies catching shafts of sunlight filtering through the ocean,' Broen recounts. 'Above, a small boat with observers floats quietly, a silent witness to one of nature's most graceful spectacles.' FEATURED | Frase ByForbes™ Unscramble The Anagram To Reveal The Phrase Pinpoint By Linkedin Guess The Category Queens By Linkedin Crown Each Region Crossclimb By Linkedin Unlock A Trivia Ladder Overseas Winner Martin Broen captured a black-and-white split-shot showing a school of rays swimming ... More below a boat off the coast of Mexico during a mobula ray migration The Shark Trust, a UK-based charity, has used photography and storytelling to educate the public, advocate for policy change, and encourage community action. Sharks have roamed our oceans for over 400 million years, yet today many species are at risk due to overfishing and habitat loss. Thus, the Shark Photographer of the Year competition is part of a larger movement to raise awareness about those threats and inspire solutions. To reflect some of their current projects, the Shark Trust awarded additional honors to photographers whose images aligned with key conservation themes. Byron Conway's photo of silky sharks (Carcharhinus falciformis) swimming near the surface in Cuba won the Oceanics Programme category. He used a slow shutter speed to add a sense of motion and color to the image, capturing the moment during sunset using a technique called Snell's Window. Silky sharks, like many oceanic species, are heavily impacted by overfishing, and Conway's work adds urgency to calls for protecting pelagic species. Gillian Marsh photographed a blue shark (Prionace glauca) interacting with an underwater ... More photographer off the coast of Cornwall, portraying a moment of curiosity between species. In the Living with Sharks category, Gillian Marsh photographed a blue shark (Prionace glauca) interacting with an underwater photographer off the coast of Cornwall, portraying a moment of curiosity between species. Another award was given under the Mediterranean Programme, which focuses on a region where over half of the shark and ray species face extinction. Linda Mazza's photo of a Critically Endangered angelshark was taken in the Canary Islands, one of ... More the few places where sightings are still possible. Linda Mazza's photo of a Critically Endangered angelshark wasn't taken in the Mediterranean but in the Canary Islands, one of the few places where sightings are still possible. The image, intimate and raw, serves as a stark reminder of how rare some sharks have become. In the citizen science-focused Great Eggcase Hunt category, Grant Evans took home the prize for a photo of a pyjama shark (Poroderma africanum) eggcase nestled among sea fans in South Africa. The picture illustrates how important the seafloor is for shark reproduction, and how practices like bottom trawling can destroy crucial nursery habitats. Grant Evans took home the prize for a photo of a pyjama shark (Poroderma africanum) eggcase nestled ... More among sea fans in South Africa. Finally, the Young Shark Photographer of the Year award went to Panitbhand Paribatra Na Ayudhya for an image of a whale shark (Rhincodon typus) feeding at the surface. The photograph, taken during a moment of awe, carries a message of hope for the photographer: 'For me, enjoying this moment is not all there is, we must take action to help ensure these incredible, gentle giants of the sea survive. I believe that together we can help Whale Sharks live and swim freely in their ocean home, allowing them to share this planet with us for years to come.' These gentle giants feed on some of the smallest organisms in the sea, yet they face enormous threats. Paribatra Na Ayudhya hopes his generation can be the one to ensure their survival. Young Shark Photographer of the Year award went to Panitbhand Paribatra Na Ayudhya for an image of a ... More whale shark (Rhincodon typus) feeding at the surface. All of the photographs entered into the competition — whether they won or not — will be used to support shark and ray conservation efforts for years to come. And this is what makes each image so important because beyond their beauty, they carry weight. They inform, inspire and push people to act. The finalist images are on display in Plymouth, Britain's Ocean City, until the end of the month. They are a celebration, yes, but also a call to action. Because while sharks have survived mass extinctions and shifting seas, they now need our help to survive us.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Giant wicker shark to raise conservation awareness
A giant wicker shark has marked the start of a month-long campaign to raise awareness of marine conservation in Devon. The 20ft (6m) handcrafted basking shark, created by Falmouth University lecturer Duncan Cameron, was installed at Royal William Yard, Plymouth, to mark Shark Month. The Shark Trust said it was running a programme of awareness, art and advocacy throughout July to promote the importance of shark conservation. Paul Cox, the charity's chief executive, said this year's campaign would celebrate "the incredible world of sharks". Mr Cox said: "We've created lots of fun and fascinating ways for all the family to engage with the vital issues of conservation whilst diving into and celebrating the incredible world of sharks." The programme includes a 360-degree virtual reality shark experience, wine tastings inspired by Great White habitats, rock pooling adventures and film screenings. The shark was created from salvaged bamboo, willow and pallet wood. Follow BBC Cornwall on X, Facebook and Instagram. Follow BBC Devon on X, Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to spotlight@ Lewis Pugh tackles waters where Jaws was filmed Basket Shark to raise awareness of sea pollution 'Amazing sight' as basking shark spotted in marina 'Exciting' sighting of basking shark in Cornwall Shark Trust
BBC News
4 days ago
- General
- BBC News
Giant wicker shark in Plymouth to raise conservation awareness
A giant wicker shark has marked the start of a month-long campaign to raise awareness of marine conservation in 20ft (6m) handcrafted basking shark, created by Falmouth University lecturer Duncan Cameron, was installed at Royal William Yard, Plymouth, to mark Shark Shark Trust said it was running a programme of awareness, art and advocacy throughout July to promote the importance of shark Cox, the charity's chief executive, said this year's campaign would celebrate "the incredible world of sharks". Mr Cox said: "We've created lots of fun and fascinating ways for all the family to engage with the vital issues of conservation whilst diving into and celebrating the incredible world of sharks."The programme includes a 360-degree virtual reality shark experience, wine tastings inspired by Great White habitats, rock pooling adventures and film shark was created from salvaged bamboo, willow and pallet wood.
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Robin Hill to host Osborne Proms '25 in new venue switch
THIS year's Osborne Proms has been moved to a new venue. The popular open-air concert will no longer be held at Osborne House, due to "unforeseen circumstances". Instead, Osborne Proms '25 will take place at Robin Hill Adventure Park on the original arranged date of July 26. Despite the change, organisers are looking forward to an "unforgettable evening of music" at the new venue. Paul Cox, event director, said: "We're thrilled to host Proms '25 at Robin Hill, a beloved Island venue, which offers the perfect backdrop for a summer evening of Proms and picnicking. "The support we've received from the Robin Hill team has been second to none, and I'm delighted to partner with them on this event." For more event information follow this LINK. Ticket holders are asked to direct requests to info@ The concert will feature the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, who will perform a selection of Proms classics, from Elgar to Tchaikovsky. The Isle of Wight's Thea Callaghan, a talented soprano, together with the Medina Community Choir, fresh from their appearance at New York's Carnegie Hall, will also perform. Read more: Nominate your local heroes to attend special event Attendees can look forward to an evening of entertainment, food and drink from local vendors and a fireworks display, all set in Robin Hill's 88 acres of picturesque parkland. Lee Priddle, CEO and co-owner of Robin Hill Adventure Park, said: "We are truly honoured to host Proms '25 here at Robin Hill and hope the public will get behind this fantastic event to help support Mountbatten Hospice. "It will be a joy to welcome the renowned Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, along with classical music enthusiasts from near and far, for what promises to be an unforgettable celebration of music in a beautiful setting." All existing ticket and hamper bookings will be automatically transferred to the new venue. For those who cannot attend the new location, full refunds are available upon request. The event is in aid of Mountbatten Isle of Wight, a local charity that provides care and support to patients and their families across the island.
