Imagine being surrounded by a swirling mass of jellyfish, their translucent bodies glowing like alien creatures in an underwater ballet. This is the breathtaking scene captured by Ralph Pace, a fearless wildlife photographer, in his award-winning image featured in the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition at the Natural History Museum. But here's where it gets controversial: while jellyfish blooms, or 'smacks,' are undeniably mesmerizing, they're also a symptom of a deeper environmental crisis.
To capture this stunning shot, Ralph Pace (USA) immersed himself among a smack of Pacific sea nettles, their long, trailing tentacles capable of delivering a sting more akin to a bee than their namesake plant, according to Ralph. To protect himself, he resorted to a creative solution: coating his exposed skin with petroleum jelly, a barrier against the nettles' venomous touch. This image isn't just a visual spectacle; it's a powerful commentary on the state of our oceans.
And this is the part most people miss: jellyfish populations are booming due to their remarkable adaptability to warming seas. As ocean temperatures rise, these ancient creatures thrive, often at the expense of other marine life. Some biologists argue that the increasing frequency of jellyfish smacks is a direct indicator of this alarming trend. But it's not just climate change at play. Overfishing, by removing natural predators and competitors, further tips the balance in favor of these gelatinous drifters.
Ralph Pace, a California-based freelance underwater and environmental photojournalist, brings a unique perspective to his work. With a graduate degree from the prestigious Scripps Institution of Oceanography, he’s not just capturing images—he’s telling stories that matter. A member of The Photo Society and represented by Minden Pictures, Ralph dedicates his winters to documenting humpback whale research with Whale Trust in Maui, Hawaii. His technical prowess is evident in this shot, taken with a Nikon D850, 28–70mm lens, and specialized underwater housing, in the rich waters of Monterey Bay, California.
Here’s a thought-provoking question: Are jellyfish the ocean’s canaries in the coal mine, signaling a broader ecological collapse? Or are they simply opportunistic survivors in a changing world? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
If you’re inspired by Ralph’s work and want to support the intersection of art and science, consider donating to the Natural History Museum. Your contribution helps harness the power of photography to advance scientific knowledge, raise awareness of critical issues, and foster a global appreciation for nature. Together, we can turn the tide on environmental challenges and ensure that scenes like this—both beautiful and cautionary—continue to inspire future generations.
Explore more of Ralph Pace’s captivating images here and discover why his work earned him a spot among the winners here. Donate now to support this vital mission here.
