Rock pool photos chosen

Umina Beach marine conservation group, Ocean and Coastal Care Initiatives (OCCI), has announced the winners of its recent Rock Pool Life Amateur Photographic Competition

From over 250 entry inquiries, OCCI received 165 qualifying entries from 54 entrants.

"It was thrilling for our group to have had so much interest shown by the community," said co-ordinator Ms Jeannie Lawson.

"The feedback we have received has been very positive and our group has certainly achieved its objective of bringing more awareness about our rock pool life to the residents of the Central Coast.

"People have phoned in to comment about how excited they were about something they'd seen whilst out photographing.

"Others have commented about how they had been totally unaware of the state of the rock pools in some areas where the effects of litter and other human impact was just too apparent, with very little life observed in such areas."

Photos were judged by professional photographer Richard Nale, of RA Photographics, who said it was a tough job narrowing it down to just two winners.

A further 11 photos were then chosen to be part of the calendar which will be produced ready for 2005.

The calendar will be available by November this year.

First prize in the adult category of the competition went to Vicki Elliott of Kincumber South and runner-up was Jennifer Hamman, of Avoca Beach.

Peter Crowhurst of Umina Beach and David Holland of Booker Bay were also given special recognition for their contributions.

All qualifying entries will be on display at Radford's Amcal Pharmacy, 315 West St, Umina Beach from Monday, August 9 until Friday, August 20.

Press release, August 4