A shag at sunset
David Smart
Climate change is not always in the form of melting ice caps and a warming environment. Extreme events such as bushfires, drought and storms can become more common with severe localized impacts on ecosystems. In the summer of 2019, unprecedented dry lightning caused out of control bushfires to burn more than 200,000 hectares of bush land the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. This photo was taken at Schouten Passage, during one of Tasmania’s hottest weeks on record. A black faced cormorant (Lucocarbo fucescens) dries its wings as smoke from the fires turns the sky red.
BEAKER STREET SCIENCE PHOTOGRAPHY PRIZE
This photograph was a finalist in Beaker Street’s annual Science Photography Prize. This highly-respected prize invites all Tasmanians to showcase the wonders of our extraordinary part of the world — which is teeming with science and scientists. Finalist images are displayed at the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery during Beaker Street Festival each August, with great prizes on offer for Judges’ and People’s Choice winners.
The Beaker Street Science Photography Prize would not be possible without the support of Full Gamut, Tasmania’s premier fine art printers and long-time sponsor of this competition. Many thanks also go to Pennicott Wilderness Journeys, which donates a generous prize for the People’s Choice winner.
