Shane Gross. Tadpole Army.

Every day, western toad tadpoles swim up from the safer depths of the lake in British Columbia, Canada, dodging predators and trying to reach the shallows where they can feed.

The tadpoles start becoming toads between 4 and 12 weeks after hatching. An estimated 99% will not survive to adulthood. Those that do make it to adulthood face threats from roads, pesticides and herbicides, and the chytrid fungus.

Shane Gross is a Canadian underwater and conservation photojournalist known for his work in marine life photography and promoting ocean and freshwater conservation. His images highlight the beauty of underwater ecosystems while raising awareness about the threats they face.

Follow Shane on Instagram @shanegrossphoto.