
Alex Mustard. Coral Connections.
The photo was entered as an illustration of biodiversity and the connections between species on coral reefs. Like polar environments, coral reefs are an ecosystem on the front line of the climate crisis. And while coral reefs may not have the iconic, poster species of the poles, they are an environment that harbours huge biodiversity. The photo was taken in Lembeh, Indonesia, showing ghost gobies on a sea fan, backlight by ambient light.
Alexander Mustard from the UK, has a Ph.D. in marine ecology but works full time as an underwater photographer revealing secrets from seas from the tiniest creatures upwards. His work is widely published and well known from the prestigious Wildlife Photographer of the Year awards, where he has been awarded across 9 different categories over the last 20 years. In 2018 he received national recognition, receiving the title of MBE from Queen Elizabeth II for ‘services to underwater photography’.
Follow Alex on Instagram @alexmustard1