Competition's Second Position Winner: Stan Chen for Compact Macro Artwork in Ocean Category, Year 2019
In the vibrant underwater world of Lembeh Strait, Indonesia, a diver captured a remarkable moment that has garnered global attention. The image, which won an Ocean Art Award, showcases a Ponda Goby, a small and often overlooked species, protecting its clutch of eggs.
Lembeh Strait is renowned as one of the world's premier muck-diving destinations, known for its unique and diverse marine species. The photo's detailed and intimate portrait underscores the region's biodiversity and the skill required to document it.
The Ponda Goby is a shy fish that requires mutual trust to be observed closely. This particular encounter was a rare one, as the diver had never before witnessed a Ponda Goby protecting her eggs. The image not only showcases the fascinating reproductive behavior of this species but also brings attention to the subtle ecological interactions found in Lembeh Strait.
The photo stands out for its composition, clarity, and vibrant colors, despite the challenging underwater lighting and visibility conditions typical of muck diving sites. The diver used a Sony RX100 IV Camera, Acquapazza Housing, Sea & Sea YS-D2 Strobe, Arch Torch D11V, and Nauticam SMC-2 Diopter to capture the image.
The picture, taken with a shutter speed of 1/160 sec, F10, and ISO 400, captures a peaceful and bright environment for the hatching eggs of the Ponda Goby. The diver waited patiently for 50 minutes to capture this unique moment, which touched their heart and has now raised awareness about the delicate marine ecosystems of Indonesia and the beauty found in underwater macro subjects often unseen by casual observers.
While no new life events of the Ponda Goby's hatchlings were mentioned, this image serves as a testament to the resilience and beauty of marine life and the importance of preserving these precious ecosystems.
