Sarah & Lucy Jenkins, Bloom on the Barrier (LANDSCAPE 2022)

The Great Barrier Reef is under threat & has greatly deteriorated in recent years due to climate change & pollution. Climbing global temperatures & increased agricultural run-off are seriously affecting the quality of the water surrounding this 2500km long UNESCO world heritage listed structure. With calls to deign it as threatened, the Australian government has pledged billions of dollars to fund improving water quality & further scientific research. This portfolio of images depicts an encroaching algal bloom, whether a natural phenomenon or the result of increased nitrogen & phosphorus run-off from agriculture, we are not sure. They highlight the difference in water clarity as it approaches & remind us that even in the most pristine & remote parts of this reef, nothing is left untouched.

Images have been resized for web display, which may cause some loss of image quality. Note: Original high-resolution images are used for judging.