Dive into the mesmerizing yet perilous world of jellyfish swarms, where beauty hides a stinging threat—and it could be getting worse due to our changing planet. But what if these underwater spectacles are sounding an alarm about our oceans' future? Imagine plunging into the depths of Monterey Bay, California, surrounded by a swirling mass of Pacific sea nettles—a phenomenon known as a 'smack' or gathering of these gelatinous creatures. That's exactly the scene captured by Ralph Pace, a talented wildlife photographer whose image earned recognition in the prestigious Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition hosted by the Natural History Museum.
Ralph Pace, hailing from the USA, positioned himself right in the heart of this jellyfish congregation. To shield himself from the potentially agonizing stings, he applied a clever protective layer: petroleum jelly smeared over any exposed skin not shielded by his wetsuit. Those long, trailing tentacles of the sea nettles aren't just for show—they pack a punch that Ralph describes as reminiscent of a bee's sting, rather than the milder irritation of a typical nettle plant. It's a smart precaution for anyone brave enough to get up close and personal with these ocean drifters.
And this is the part most people miss: jellyfish are proliferating in greater numbers, thriving as our seas warm up. Thanks to their remarkable adaptability to rising temperatures, these creatures are showing up in larger groups more often. Biologists are pointing to this surge as a possible indicator of escalating ocean heat, driven by climate change. But why stop there? Overfishing plays a role too, by eliminating natural predators and competitors that might keep jellyfish populations in check. Think of it as an ecological imbalance—remove the top of the food chain, and opportunistic species like jellyfish can take over, creating these massive smacks that might disrupt marine ecosystems.
Let's take a closer look at the man behind the lens. Ralph is a freelance underwater and environmental photojournalist, rooted in California, USA. He boasts a graduate degree from the esteemed Scripps Institution of Oceanography, equipping him with deep insights into marine science. As a member of The Photo Society and represented by Minden Pictures, Ralph's work spans critical environmental storytelling. Come winter, he shifts gears to collaborate with Whale Trust, photographing and documenting humpback whale research off the shores of Maui, Hawaii—showcasing his commitment to wildlife conservation.
For those curious about the technical side, Ralph's winning shot was taken with a Nikon D850 camera, paired with a versatile 28–70mm f3.5–4.5 lens set to 1/5 second at f13 and ISO 125. He relied on a Nauticam housing for underwater protection and two Sea & Sea strobes to illuminate the scene perfectly, all captured in the vibrant waters of Monterey Bay.
But here's where it gets controversial: Are these jellyfish booms a natural cycle, or a direct consequence of human actions like warming oceans and overfishing? Some experts argue that increased sightings are just part of fluctuating marine patterns, not necessarily tied to climate change. What do you think—should we view jellyfish as harbingers of environmental crisis, or are they simply opportunistic survivors? Share your thoughts in the comments: Do you agree that rising temperatures are fueling these swarms, or do you see overfishing as the bigger culprit? Could there be other factors at play that we're overlooking? Let's discuss!
Remember, copyright for images from the Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition belongs exclusively to the photographers. Sharing, reproducing, or republishing isn't allowed without explicit permission under copyright laws. For inquiries about using these images in media, reach out to the Natural History Museum.
Want to see more of Ralph Pace's captivating work? Check out his gallery here: View all, and don't miss his winning entry: Winner.
Finally, if you're inspired to support efforts that use photography to enlighten science and foster a deeper appreciation for nature, consider donating to the Natural History Museum. Your contribution helps amplify awareness of pressing environmental issues and fuels global conservation. Donate now: Make a Donation.
