Portfolio #02

From July to October, when the south-westerly monsoon hits the Maldives, manta rays congregate in huge numbers to feed in Hanifaru Bay. Not only regular, the mass feeding events are predictable too: when strong lunar tides over-come the force of the prevailing monsoon current, plankton is trapped and concentrated in the shallow bay, providing a feast for as many as 250 manta rays and half a dozen whale sharks.
Photo by Thomas Peschak

Of all the temperate marine realms in the world, the north-eastern Pacific Ocean harbours the highest diversity of sea stars. More than 40 species thrive in this venerable hotspot, occurring in water less than 200 metres deep. The ochre sea star Pisaster ochraceus is a common keystone predator; feeding on mussels, it determines the structure of the community that exists on exposed rocky shores.
Photo by Thomas Peschak