Photo taken off Dominica coast among winners of Nature Photography Contest

A picture of a sperm whale taken in the waters of Dominica is among the winners of the second edition of the International Nature Photography Contest which features photos of nature from around the world.

Photographer, James Ferrara, named his photo ‘Moby Dick” which won the top prize in the Underwater Category.

He explained how he managed to take the shot.

“Off the coast of Dominica, I was fortunate enough to dive with a pod of sperm whales,” he stated. “This day, there were tons of sargassum weed in the water. A large sperm whale started to barrel towards me. I held my ground and when it passed me it felt like a train going by. I was lucky to snap a few photos and the sargassum weed added to the composition of the shot.”

Organizers of the Nature Photography Contest hope that the photos will raise awareness of how crucial it is to protect the planet.

“This international photo awards are a chance for photographers of all levels to show off their work and share the wonders of the natural world,” they say on their website.

“No matter if you are passionate about landscapes, wildlife, or macro photography. Our photo awards are your way to gain recognition and inspire others to take action for the planet.”

In 2023, Dominica received international acclaim when it designated 300 sq miles of sea on its western side as a reserve to protect the endangered sperm whale. The area serves as a feeding ground and key nursing area for the massive sea creatures.

“We want to ensure these majestic and highly intelligent animals are safe from harm and continue keeping our waters and our climate healthy,” Prime Minister, Roosevelt Skerrit, said at that time.

Whale watching is also a huge tourist attraction on the island.