Male
Cuckoo Wrasse by Ken Sullivan
Winner On the Day
John
Dory by Brian Pitkin
Third On the Day
Slender
spider crab in snakelocks anemone by Chris McTernan Second:
On the Day
It
is almost customary now for Plymouth's Fort Bovisand to play
host to the British Society of Underwater Photographers. To
let accommodation, arrange meals and prepare a room worthy
of the presence of hoards of tired and hopeful contestants
of the annual 'Splash-in'.
In
the twelve months past many have been honing their skills,
enhancing creativity in an effort to become the proud new
owner of the BSoUP 'On the Day' Trophy. Recognition of modest
genius, aide to inspiration.
Liz
Wood-Walker Photo Gill McDonald
In
seven and a half hours the 42 entrants for this year's event
had to shoot 36 frames for a chance of winning one or both
of the two 'On the Day' competitions - the Best Colour Slide
or the Best Humorous Slide. Both to be taken in Plymouth waters
and both, as it states in the rules, to be shot on the day.
At
9 a.m. on the dot an orderly, for the most part, queue snaked
its way through the door of Room 16 and a long the row of
desks ably manned (or should I say wo-manned) by the jovial
double-act of Linda Dunk and Hilary Driscoll.
A
choice of film, Velvia or Sensia, entry forms to endorse and
all that remained was to return the film by 4.30 p.m. laden
with winning shots. But is wasn't about winning, not really,
'winning' was incidental.
The
rule, unwritten and unspoken emphasised more the smooth running
of the event and the enjoyment of all involved. And the constant
billow of photographers returning from trips exchanging experiences,
offering ideal locations for the skate, the cuttlefish and
the tompots and volunteering genuine wishes of 'good luck',
painted this picture of friendly rivalry.
The
photographic equipment on display was both varied and impressive.
Subal, Sea & Sea, Ikelite, housed and amphibious, even
the first ever Nikonos. (circa 1963) hung round the neck,
and the owners happy to chat, swapping advice and offering
tips.
RIBS
came and went, divers filled the harbour and rock pools. "There's
not as much life as last year", I heard one say. "The viz.
In the harbour is crap", said another. But it didn't seem
to matter. People were diving, taking photographs and happy.
Pat
Morrissey - before the drink
Photo Gill McDonald
Peter
Ladell & Peter Tatton. Photo Gill McDonald
The
deadline approached, nearly 4.30 and as films returned the
print entries were carefully mounted on exhibition boards,
entries for the 'Best British Print' and as many for the 'Best
Overseas Print'. From the striking colours of clown fish in
anemones, to the subtle dramatic black & white wrecks
and models. They were all there, carefully arranged, balanced
and ready to view.
As
afternoon turned to evening, steady streams of anxious photographers
appeared and disappeared, studying exhibits, making their
votes and talking of the night ahead.
Guest
speaker Clive James of the Shark Trust, in contrast painted
a rather gloomy picture. Shocking the audience with news of
the demise of the world's shark population, laying the blame
at the feet of the shark fishing industry.
Sharks,
unchanged for millions of years, adapting to ever changing climatic
conditions now finds their survival firmly in the grasp of its
ultimate threat - man. Clive told of the huge market for shark
fin, of how a single basking shark fin can fetch $315,000 and
of spotter planes being used to locate the much loved whale
shark with an even more sickening price on its fins! Of the
indiscriminate tuna fishing lines on which large numbers of
shark become by-catch, have their fins removed and are thrown
back alive into the sea - a sorry tale.
However,
the Shark Trust is working hard to return shark numbers to
stable levels. Through education projects, research and anti-finning
campaigns, it is hoped to cultivate a better understanding
of the shark and bring an end to shark fishing.
Who's
in th shower with Anita Marshall? Photo Gill McDonald
Excitement
heightened. Feverishly the audience shuffled in their seats
and jostled fro standing room, attention focused, ready for
the days images. Ready with pen and paper to pick the winners
of the BSoUP Splash-in 2000.
