Winner: “Ocean Drifter” by Ryan Stalker
this year British Wildlife Photography Awards (BWPA) was announced, and the grand prize winner turned out to be an unusual occupant of a flock of geese mounted on a floating soccer ball. Captured by Ryan Stalker in the waters off Portland Island in Dorset, England, the powerful image highlights the hidden dangers of pollution in our oceans—in this case, an invasive species hitchhiking across the ocean.
“On the surface of the water is just a soccer ball. But below the water level is where the creatures live,” Stalker said. “The soccer ball was washed up in Dorset after making a giant transatlantic journey. More trash in the sea could increase the risk of more creatures reaching our shores and becoming invasive species.” Stalker’s photo won top prize in the “Coast and Sea” category, while runner-up was Dan Bolt’s photo of an anemone’s brilliant fireworks taken in Loch Fyne, Scotland.
More than 14,000 wildlife images have been divided into 10 categories for adults and three age groups for children. Check competitive website to see the winners, runners-up, and highly regarded works in other categories.
Don’t forget that this year Contest in response to United Nations World Oceans Day Currently accepting entries. Make sure your best work is entered into the competition’s five categories!
Runner-up in Coastal and Maritime: “Fireworks in the Night” by Dan Bolt
Highly recommended, Coastal and Maritime: “Galactic Gooseberries” by Billy Arthur
Highly rated, Coast and Maritime: “Hyperspace” by Grace Bailey
Highly recommended, Coastal and Maritime: “Pipe Camouflage” by Shannon Moran
Highly rated, Coast and Maritime: “Time and Tide” by Jeremy Walker
