Blue Shark: Winner of University of Miami Underwater Photo Contest

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MIAMI – April 17, 2014 – More than 650 underwater images were submitted for the 2014 Annual Underwater Photography Contest hosted by the University of Miami (UM) Rosenstiel School of Marine & Atmospheric Science.

The ‘Best Overall’ photograph was submitted under the Wide Angle category and was shot off the coast of Portugal. The photo by Filippo Borghi of Italy shows a Blue Shark cruising in the company of Pilot Fish with the sun overhead.

A panel of experts, including photographer and UM lecturer Myron Wang, underwater photographer Nicole Wang and Rosenstiel School Marine Biology & Fisheries Scientist Dr. Michael Schmale judged the photos which came from 20 countries and 11 U.S. states. Awards were given in four categories: Macro, Fish or Marine Animal Portrait, Wide Angle, and Best Overall submission. The School also recognized the Best UM Student Photo, which was of an Atlantic Sailfish, Istiophorus Platypterus of Isla Mujeres Mexico shot by Laura Rock.

The underwater photography contest is held annually, and is open to all amateur photographers who earn no more than 20 percent of their income from their photography. To view the winners of this year’s contest, visit http://www.rsmas.miami.edu/outreach/underwater-photography/2014-winners/

The ‘Best Overall’ prize is a trip on Blackbeard’s Cruises departing from Freeport, Bahamas. This year’s ‘Best UM Student Photos’ were sponsored by Divers Direct.

Winners listed by category, and location where photo was shot:

2014 Underwater Photo Contest Winners
Overall Winner
Filippo Borghi, Portugal

Macro
Alberto Galluci, Capo Noli, Italy
Pietro Cremone, Mabul Island, Malaysia
Pietro Formis, Grotta di Byron, Italy

Fish or Marine Animal Portrait
Tony Barros, Anilao Pier, Philippines
Ng Ching Joyce, NE Coast, Taiwan
Filippo Borghi, Galapagos, Ecuador

Wide-angle
Peter Allinson, Cancun, Mexico
Montse Grillo, Tenerife, Spain
Filippo Borghi, Giglio Island, Italy

UM Student
Laura Rock, Isla Mujeres, Mexico
Austin Gallagher, Bimini, Bahamas
Alohi Nakachi, Kona Coast of the Big Island, Hawaii

About the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School
The University of Miami is the largest private research institution in the southeastern United States. The University’s mission is to provide quality education, attract and retain outstanding students, support the faculty and their research, and build an endowment for University initiatives. Founded in the 1940’s, the Rosenstiel School of Marine & Atmospheric Science has grown into one of the world’s premier marine and atmospheric research institutions. Offering dynamic interdisciplinary academics, the Rosenstiel School is dedicated to helping communities to better understand the planet, participating in the establishment of environmental policies, and aiding in the improvement of society and quality of life. For more information, please visit www.rsmas.miami.edu.