One of the UK's top underwater photographers has received a new environmental award
for his volunteering work for marine wildlife.
Devon-based photographer and author Paul Naylor is the first recipient of the Marsh
Award for Marine Conservation, honouring his contribution in capturing the beauty of
the UK's marine wildlife, and educating countless people in the value of the
nation's undersea environments.
Paul, who lives at Wembury near Plymouth, was nominated by four regional Wildlife
Trusts - Devon, Cornwall, Kent, and Lincolnshire.
In making the award on Monday 1 December at Plymouth's Mount Batten Centre, Devon
Wildlife Trust's Chief Executive Harry Barton paid tribute to him:
"Paul's underwater images truly are extraordinary photographs. We have used them
for countless campaigns. Paul has an incredible talent, and he is incredibly
generous giving us every picture for free. We believe the value of those images is
worth more than £10,000 to the Devon Wildlife Trust alone. I can't think of a more
deserving person to receive this award. In the interests of marine conservation we
thank him so much."
Also making the award was Joan Edwards, Head of Living Seas for The Wildlife Trusts.
Joan added:
"Paul's stunning photographs of British marine life are vital for our work. They
allow us to showcase our marine environment, bringing to life species and habitats
which many people don't get to experience, and demonstrate how important the
protection of our seas is."
Paul Naylor is widely recognised as one of the UK's top underwater wildlife
photographers. Over the years, he has built up a wonderful collection of images of
British marine species and habitats, bringing the beauty of underwater world to new
and wider audiences. His books which include a guide to 'Great British Marine
Animals' have provided a fascinating insight into the life, behaviours and struggles
of the species he photographs.
On receiving his award Paul said:
"I am delighted to win the award because I'm very passionate about spreading the
word for our amazing marine life and supporting The Wildlife Trusts with my
underwater photography. I also feel humbled at being chosen, knowing what wonderful
work all the other volunteers do".
Paul's passion for marine wildlife was first sparked by snorkelling trips on the
Norfolk coast as a teenager. Paul added:
"Having now completed 2,000 dives all around the British coast, our native marine
animals still enthral me. I am incredibly fortunate to be privy to their hidden
lives. I am passionate about showing people, from schoolchildren to politicians,
just what beautiful and vulnerable creatures live close to our shores. The
intriguing lifestyles of so many animals, including those that appear humdrum at
first glance, is a great way to reinforce the message that our marine life is
special and deserving of much better care."
The body making the inaugural award for Marine Conservation is the Marsh Christian
Trust. Established in 1981 it runs a portfolio of awards across several conservation
themes. The Trust's Jo Probert explained the reasons for establishing this new
honour:
"We set up this Award in partnership with the Wildlife Trusts because we were
concerned about the conservation of marine wildlife. Our other Awards for marine
conservation recognise both international and academic achievements, so with this
Award we wanted to highlight the important work which marine volunteers are
undertaking in the UK. Hopefully the Award will help recognise the outstanding
efforts of these volunteers in their protection of the Living Seas and raise the
profile of their essential work." Photo: Paul Naylor (centre) receives his award from Harry Barton Chief Executive of
Devon Wildlife Trust (right) and Jo Probert of the Marsh Christian Trust (left) .jpg)
Photo: A Devonshire cup coral copyright Paul Naylor www.marinephoto.co.uk (All rights reserved) This is just one of the many hundreds of Paul Naylor's beautiful
images which showcase the UK's rich underwater world.
