Latest news with #SharkTrust
Forbes
14-07-2025
- 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
12-07-2025
- 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
12-07-2025
- 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.
North Wales Chronicle
04-07-2025
- North Wales Chronicle
40ft giant sharks spotted swimming around UK shores
The North Wales coast - particularly Anglesey - is one of the locations where you might spot a basking shark, the second largest fish in the world. You can also see these giants around the coast of Ireland, as you can see below from last month. Highlight of today! 🦈 a beautiful basking shark 😲 what an amazing sight to watch swimming around. We also spotted it again over an hour later. A wonderful day out with Isle of Harris Sea Tours 🌊 #IsleofHarris At least 21 species live in British waters all year round, including some of the largest and fastest. As well as the 21 resident sharks, there are at least 11 deepwater shark species, including the Portuguese Dogfish, Black Dogfish, Kitefin Shark and Gulper Shark. But don't worry, all are harmless, and it is still safe to go back in the water. The basking shark is the second biggest fish in the world and it lives right here in the UK! 🦈 With @SkyZeroOfficial, we captured 360° footage of basking shark behaviour to make the case for a new Marine Protected Area. During warmer months, you may be lucky enough to spot the world's second-largest fish. The filter-feeding Basking Shark. Basking Shark season tends to be May or October, and there are a few hotspots around the British Isles where you'll most likely spot them. Well-known hot spots: Basking sharks pose no danger to humans in general, but they are large animals and their skin is extremely rough, so caution is urged during any encounters. The basking shark can reach lengths up to 40 feet (12 m). However, just because you don't see a basking shark at any given place & time, doesn't mean they aren't there. Basking sharks spend 90% of their time underwater and not at the surface. So clear beaches are your best bet to see this mammoth fish. According to Basking Shark Scotland: "During Spring, water temperature increases, sun hours and daylight increases and nutrients are highly available in the water. "Like terrestrial plants coming to life in Spring, the ocean is no different and plankton starts to bloom. So you'll not be surprised that basking sharks being planktivores (eating plankton) also appear when the plankton appears!" Recommended reading: Is this Britain's first Great White shark sighting? Experts on why there have been more shark sightings Great white sharks could migrate to UK waters by next year Other sharks found in UK waters Other seasonal visitors include the Blue Shark and Shortfin Mako. Blue Sharks are highly migratory and can travel over 5,700 miles (9,200km) in a single trip. The Shortfin Mako is the fastest shark on record. They can reach speeds of up to 30mph, enabling them to catch fast-swimming prey such as tuna and swordfish. Shark Trust states: "Only a few sharks are potentially dangerous to humans. None of these have ever been reported in British waters. "With so many shark species under threat seeing a shark in British waters should be a cause for celebration."
Rhyl Journal
04-07-2025
- Rhyl Journal
40ft giant sharks spotted swimming around UK shores
The North Wales coast - particularly Anglesey - is one of the locations where you might spot a basking shark, the second largest fish in the world. You can also see these giants around the coast of Ireland, as you can see below from last month. Highlight of today! 🦈 a beautiful basking shark 😲 what an amazing sight to watch swimming around. We also spotted it again over an hour later. A wonderful day out with Isle of Harris Sea Tours 🌊 #IsleofHarris At least 21 species live in British waters all year round, including some of the largest and fastest. As well as the 21 resident sharks, there are at least 11 deepwater shark species, including the Portuguese Dogfish, Black Dogfish, Kitefin Shark and Gulper Shark. But don't worry, all are harmless, and it is still safe to go back in the water. The basking shark is the second biggest fish in the world and it lives right here in the UK! 🦈 With @SkyZeroOfficial, we captured 360° footage of basking shark behaviour to make the case for a new Marine Protected Area. During warmer months, you may be lucky enough to spot the world's second-largest fish. The filter-feeding Basking Shark. Basking Shark season tends to be May or October, and there are a few hotspots around the British Isles where you'll most likely spot them. Well-known hot spots: Basking sharks pose no danger to humans in general, but they are large animals and their skin is extremely rough, so caution is urged during any encounters. The basking shark can reach lengths up to 40 feet (12 m). However, just because you don't see a basking shark at any given place & time, doesn't mean they aren't there. Basking sharks spend 90% of their time underwater and not at the surface. So clear beaches are your best bet to see this mammoth fish. According to Basking Shark Scotland: "During Spring, water temperature increases, sun hours and daylight increases and nutrients are highly available in the water. "Like terrestrial plants coming to life in Spring, the ocean is no different and plankton starts to bloom. So you'll not be surprised that basking sharks being planktivores (eating plankton) also appear when the plankton appears!" Recommended reading: Is this Britain's first Great White shark sighting? Experts on why there have been more shark sightings Great white sharks could migrate to UK waters by next year Other sharks found in UK waters Other seasonal visitors include the Blue Shark and Shortfin Mako. Blue Sharks are highly migratory and can travel over 5,700 miles (9,200km) in a single trip. The Shortfin Mako is the fastest shark on record. They can reach speeds of up to 30mph, enabling them to catch fast-swimming prey such as tuna and swordfish. Shark Trust states: "Only a few sharks are potentially dangerous to humans. None of these have ever been reported in British waters. "With so many shark species under threat seeing a shark in British waters should be a cause for celebration."
