European Wildlife Photographer of the Year

Jules is pleased to announce his image of thousands of Atlantic Grey and Common Seals hauled out on a sandbank at an offshore wind farm site, titled ‘Seals and Wind Power’, has received a Highly Commended award in European Wildlife Photographer of the Year.

Jules says:

‘Offshore wind farms are turning into prime seal hunting grounds. Recent scientific research has shown wind farms have become home for fish and crustaceans homing in on invertebrates like mussels clustered on the massive structures. These animals, in turn, attract Atlantic grey and common seals. To make the discovery, the scientists attached GPS tags to seals of both species off the North Sea’s British and Dutch coasts—a popular spot for wind farms. They recorded seals visiting wind farms repeatedly tracing out an unusual gridlike pattern as they swam from turbine to turbine. This coordinated behaviour suggested that the seals had found plentiful prey at each turbine.

The image was shot on the DJI Mavic 3.’

Now in its 25th year, GDT European Wildlife Photographer of the Year has grown into one of the most prestigious wildlife photography competitions in the world, a benchmark for contemporary nature photography that celebrates work that is innovative and strong in story telling.

Jules would like to thank the jury for this Highly Commended award in the Man and Nature category and congratulate all of this year’s winners.

Thanks to Kev Morgans for the last two images.