Ever wondered what marine life we have in Dublin Bay? Well, the winners of the UNESCO Dublin Bay Biosphere Underwater photography competition have captured the myriad creatures in some breathtaking, eye-opening images.
Check out the winning photos below!
Oldest Lobster in the Bay by Nigel Motyer
1. Best photograph of a crustacean/echinoderm
- 1 st place “Oldest Lobster in the Bay” by Nigel Motyer
- 2nd place “Brittlestars in Dalkey Sound” by Dave Wall
- 3rd place “Velvet crabs” by Padraig Keane
Brittlestars in Dalkey Sound by Dave Wall
In 2015 UNESCO designated Dublin Bay as a Biosphere because of its rare and internationally important habitats and species of wildlife. Biospheres are internationally recognised as special places for people and nature.
Velvet crabs by Padraig Keane
Images varied from commonly recognised species such as lobster, seal and jellyfish to the more unusual dahlia anemone and nudibranch.
Sunlit Jelly by Nigel Motyer
Best photograph of a sponge/cnidarian/sea squirt
- 1st place “Sunlit Jelly” by Nigel Motyer
- 2nd place “Dahlia Anemone” by Fintan Keating
- 3rd place “Dahlia Anemone” by Cathy Davis
Dahlia Anemone by Cathy Davis
Best photograph of a worm/mollusc
- 1st place “Octopus at Night” by Nigel Motyer
- 2nd place “Nudis” by Maja Stankovski
- 3rd place “Octopus at Night” by Sarah Tallon
Dalkey Seal by Nigel Motyer
Best photograph of a fish or mammal
- 1st place “Dalkey Seal” by Nigel Motyer
- 2nd place “Seal Pup” by Nigel Motyer
- 3rd place “Tom” by Cathy Davis
Tom by Cathy Davis
“We’re delighted to be working with the Irish Underwater Council to promote awareness of the marine environment and its biodiversity. We were very impressed with all the entrants and the very high standards that the underwater photographers have produced and the diverse range of life exhibited in the UNESCO Dublin Bay Biosphere” – Leslie Moore, Chairman of the Dublin Bay Biosphere Partnership.
BYOB Dalkey Sound by Andrew Keegan
Best photograph of “Spotted in Dublin Bay”
- 1st place “BYOB Dalkey sound” by Andrew Keegan
- 2nd place “Camoflague” by Cathy Davis
- 3rd place “Strictly Come Dancing Red Velvet crabs” by Brendan Moran
The photographs will be exhibited and available to view in numerous locations around the Dublin Bay Biosphere throughout the coming year.
Goldsinny Wrasse by Damien McGuirk
Best compact camera or action camera image
- 1st place “Goldsinny Wrasse” by Damien McGuirk
- 2nd place “Prawns” by Brendan Moran
- 3rd place “Blue-ray Limpets” by Ciarán Smyth
Sea Trotter by Marco Salino
Biodiversity Officers Staff Favourites
- “Sea Trotter” and “Stardust” by Marco Salino
To see the complete photo archive and find out more about the UNESCO Dublin Bay Biosphere visit their website here or check out their social media on Facebook and Twitter.
