MAKO SHARK, ISURUS OXYRINCHUS. A poignant reminder of the controversy created by the sport of game fishing and the emotional reaction that such a sight can provoke.  However, this mako shark did not die in vain, as it was used for scientific research on the species. Swansea Channel, New South Wales. Nikon D800, Nikon Nikkor 14mm-24mm, 1/250, f11, ISO 200, handheld

WHITE’S SEAHORSE, HIPPOCAMPUS WHITEI. I took this photo while scuba diving in about 5m of water outside the shark net off Manly Harbour. The nets are intended to provide a safe swimming area for swimmers, but at the same time provide shelter to a host of marine creatures, including this enigmatic White’s seahorse. Manly Harbour, Sydney,
New South Wales. Canon EOS 5D Mk III, Canon 16-35mm f2.8, 1/200, f20, ISO 200,
two Inon Z-240 strobes, Hugyfot housing, handheld

GENTOO PENGUIN, PYGOSCELIS PAPUA. These old boats left in Antarctica are a
reminder of its terrible whaling past. The boats were abandoned with no thought
of their impact on the environment. At Port Lockroy, these Gentoo penguins have embraced a decaying whale boat as their own while they shed their adolescent down feathers. Port Lockroy, Wiencke Island, Antarctica. Nikon D3200, AF-S Nikkor 18-135mm 3.5-5.6, 1/200, f/6.3, ISO 400, handheld

BROWN TREE SNAKE, BOIGA IRREGULARIS. Brown tree snakes are one of Australia’s most common urban snakes, and they have successfully coexisted with people despite our impact upon the landscape. Even in highly urbanised areas, wildlife can continue to thrive.
New Farm, Brisbane, Queensland. Nikon D300, Nikkor 18-70mm 1:3.5-4.5 G ED DX, 13, f/8, ISO 100, SB800 flash, tripod, Fotar 67mm UV-clear filter

During winter this parched lake gains water that runs down from surrounding paddocks which have all been cleared for crops. Without any exit creeks, it sits still and slowly evaporates during summer, with salt growths and crystals forming on the dead trees. Quairading, Western Australia. Canon EOS 7D, EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM, 1/20, f/13, ISO 400, tripod

EMPEROR PENGUIN, APTENODYTES FORSTERI. Members of the Australian Antarctic Expedition were enjoying some time on the fast ice when a single emperor penguin arrived from the ocean and promptly took up position in front of a phalanx of keen photographers. East Antarctica. Canon EOS 5D Mk III, EF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM, 1/1600, f/7.1,  ISO 200, handheld

BROWN HONEYEATER, LICHMERA INDISTINCTA. Southern Kimberley temperatures exceeded 40C for weeks and the wildlife was severely stressed. For thirsty birds, a dripping tap was an irresistible attraction. Some timed their approach with enough precision to snatch drops in mid-air. Purnululu National Park, Western Australia. Canon EOS 30D, 300mm with 1.4x converter, 1/3200, f/5.6, ISO 800, tripod

The wreck of the former collier SS Ayrfield in Homebush Bay in Sydney has been colonised by flourishing mangroves that now provide new habitat for a host of native species. I took this photo at night to try and emphasise the sense of wonder I had when I first stumbled upon this charming floating forest. Homebush Bay, New South Wales. Canon EOS 5D Mk II, Canon EF 24–105mm f/4 L IS USM, 30, f/18, ISO 1250, tripod.

UNIDENTIFIED SPECIES. Rubbish from human activity can cause major pollution problems in marine environments, but sometimes these discarded items can become a home or habitat. This octopus is taking refuge in a discarded drink bottle, a safe hiding place on the otherwise deserted sandy slope. Lembeh Strait, Sulawesi Island, Indonesia. Nikon D7100, Nikkor 60mm macro, 1/200, f/18, ISO 200, two Inon Z-240 strobes, Nauticam housing, handheld