Tue Sep 10 16:08:09 UTC 2024: ## Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year Award Goes to Whale Bubble-Net Image

**Adelaide, Australia** – Western Australian photographer Scott Portelli has been awarded the prestigious Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year award for his breathtaking image of humpback whales engaging in “bubble-net feeding.” The winning photograph, titled “Bubble-net,” captures the whales’ unique hunting strategy as they surround and corral schools of fish within a net of bubbles.

Portelli, who was on a small yacht during his six-hour observation of the whales, captured the moment with persistence and timing, showcasing the cooperative effort involved in this fascinating feeding method.

The 2024 competition, now in its 21st year, saw 1856 entries from 442 photographers across 12 countries. The entries celebrated the diverse wildlife and landscapes of Australia, New Zealand, Antarctica, and New Guinea.

In addition to the top prize, Portelli receives a $10,000 cash award and a holiday courtesy of Coral Expeditions. This is his second win at the competition, having previously won in 2021 with an image of a leafy sea dragon.

Other notable winners include 14-year-old Maya Hughes, who won the Junior category with her image “Elegance,” showcasing the beauty of a pelican’s feathers. David Dahlenburg, from South Australia, won the Portfolio category with his series “Grotesque Beauty,” a thought-provoking collection exploring the environmental impact of mining operations.

South Australian Museum CEO Dr. David Gaimster and Australian Geographic Group Picture Editor Nicky Catley stressed the importance of nature photography in raising awareness about environmental issues. They emphasized the urgency of documenting our unique bioregion before biodiversity loss continues.

The winning images, along with those of runners-up and finalists, are on display at the South Australian Museum until November 3, 2024. For more information and a complete gallery, visit the South Australian Museum website.

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