FIRST PLACEÂ
UNDERWATER
The Giants
Loop Head, CO Clare
This photograph was taken off the coast of County Clare, Ireland, during a calm morning dive in late summer.
A slow-moving group of basking sharks passed through the area, their presence both steady and unobtrusive.
The overcast light and limited visibility lent the encounter a quiet, muted atmosphere.
Remaining still and maintaining a respectful distance allowed for this image to be captured without disturbing the sharks' natural behaviour.
PHOTOGRAPHER:Â Mark O'Leary
SECOND PLACE
UNDERWATER
Blue-rayed Limpets
Pollack Holes, Kilkee, Co. Clare
I was mesmerised by the clarity of the water and the vibrant colours as I snorkelled through the famous Pollock Holes at Kilkee, CO Clare.
Snorkelling in such calm still water at low tide allowed me to get close enough to capture the stunning blue iridescence of an especially large colony of blue-rayed limpets on kelp, which is normally very difficult in open water as the kelp fronds sway back and forth in the current.
PHOTOGRAPHER:Â Shazia Waheed
THIRD PLACE
UNDERWATER
Firework Anemone
Kilbricken, Co Galway
Fireworks Anemones, Pachycerianthus multiplicatus, are some of the largest and most beautiful anemone species.
They can only be found in three locations in Ireland, and in Scotland where they are a protected species.
As they are very sensitive to physical damage e.g. from fishing gear, their presence indicates a healthy marine environment.
Our group of divers frequently visits Ail Bhui and - as part of Seasearch Ireland activities - observes the underwater life.
However, taking pictures of the anemones is bit challenging: they live in very soft mud and one needs not only good buoyancy (as there is no rock or solid ground to fix your position), one also has to be careful not to raise the sediment with the fins (disturbing visibility) or frighten the anemones (as they would curl-in their tentacles).
This picture is special, as it also shows another mud-loving protected species, a Slender Sea Pen, Virgularia mirabilis.
PHOTOGRAPHER:Â Annegret Pfuetzner
Dancing in the Light
Sandycove, Co Dublin
There is something special about diving after dark in the different critters that only come out at night.
Even with that encountering this European Common Squid was a superb experience.
Emerging from the dark to play in our dive lights for an extended period was a true delight and what makes it worth while diving into the dark to see species dancing in the light.
PHOTOGRAPHER: Stephen Frawley
Cloaked Hermit Crab
Portmagee, Co Kerry
Was in snorkelling conducting a survey of our native ouster Ostrea edulis and spotted this little guy.
Love hermit crabs they always have so much character especially when the hydroid known as hermit crab fur grows on their shell homes, i always think it looks like they have a little cloak on.
Dove down to try take some photos but it is quite tricky because you have to hold your breath while taking the shot make sure you don't stir up the sediment on the bottom and you have no idea what the lighting is going to be like down there until you dive.
I particularly like that this individual appears to be looking up at the surface.
PHOTOGRAPHER:Â Anna Kellagher
Want to Play?
Dalkey Island, Co Dublin
I have swam with grey seals for years and wanted to capture their fun friendly inquisitive nature. Luckily enough the water was not too cloudy that day.
PHOTOGRAPHER:Â Brian Casey
Emerald Jewel
Small Sovereign Island, Oysterhaven Bay, Co Cork
The task was to taken an image within a specific 24 hour window.
The weather prediction for the day was strong winds with large swells.
Low water visibility meant only Macro shots would be possible.
We opted to hide behind the small Sovereign Island to shelter as best as able from the weather.
We were pushed around by the swells underwater making the shots very difficult and we all could be heard laughing at the attempts.
They dive was immense fun and we finished the day with a great story and some nice shots.
PHOTOGRAPHER:Â Derek Bolton
Hiding in Plain Sight
Kilkee, CO Clare
After a fresh Spring day of poking around the Pollock Holes in Kilkee, I photographed this prawn during a nighttime stroll by the pier.
What I love most is how its near-invisible body materialises under torchlight, revealing intricate detail usually missed by the naked eye.
Captured with my trusty compact digital camera, I lay flat across the rocks with a torch in one hand and held my breath to get the shot.
Every rock pool, no matter how big or small, is full of secrets if you take the time to look closely. Watching this little prawn hover just above the sand, perfectly still and translucent, felt like uncovering something hidden in plain sight."
PHOTOGRAPHER: Éabha Hughes
Tompot Blenny
Hook Head, Co Wexford
Tompot Blennys are Ireland's equivalent of the aquatic star of the "Finding Nemo" films.Â
They are colourful and charismatic with a distinctive face that displays a look of curiosity about their surroundings.Â
They have a magnetic appeal for photographers in that you can never pass them by without trying to take a picture. Of note would be the markings under the eyes that can be used for individual identification.
PHOTOGRAPHER:Â Ivan Donoghue
