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Pictures Worth a Thousand Words
Laguna Bluebelt Coalition ’ s annual photo contest is a celebration of the local Marine Protected Areas and this year ’ s winners captured stunning shots of the area ’ s spectacular sea life and of people respectfully engaging with nature in the marine environment . Photos depict vibrant-colored sea slugs gliding through the water , a kelp forest swaying beneath the surface , a sea lion catching its lunch , palm trees silhouetted against sunset hues , swimmers floating on blue-green water , and much more . Amateur winners include “ Chillin Gulls ” by Robb Mitchell , first place ; “ Dorid the Explorer ” by Ely Cashman , second place ; “ Nature ’ s Artistry ” by Michael Tanaka , third place ; and honorable mentions for “ Eel in the Rocks ” by Andrew Moore , “ Packed in Like Sardines ” by Peter Black and “ May Grey ” by Christopher Allwine . Professional winners include “ Shredding the Guitar ” by Noah Gilbert , first place ; “ Below the Surface ” by Stan Moniz , second place ; “ Symmetry ” by Andre Magarao , third place ; and honorable mentions for “ Sluggish ” by Kaelan Housewright , “ Flush ” by Alec Weeks and “ A Perfect Day ” by Seth Willingham . The contest was judged by Laguna ’ s Rich German , global marine scientist Julianne Steers and marine scientist Kate Vylet , who is also a conservation and underwater photographer / videographer from Monterey , California . The public also voted in July for the Best of the Rest on the coalition ’ s Facebook page , choosing Carrie Mancinelli ’ s image of a sea star and sea anemones on a bed of sand underwater with a wave ’ s white foam spraying above the surface . All winners were to be celebrated with an artist reception Aug . 1 at the Laguna College of Art & Design Gallery . Laguna Bluebelt Coalition brings together individuals and organizations seeking to protect and restore marine life and habitats while conserving biological diversity and educating the public on these topics . ( lagunabluebelt . org ) — Sharon Stello
Clockwise from top : “ A Perfect Day ” by Seth Willingham ; “ Shredding the Guitar ” by Noah Gilbert ; “ Packed in Like Sardines ” by Peter Black ; and “ Symmetry ” by Andre Magarao
COURTESY OF LAGUNA BLUEBELT COALITION AND ( CLOCKWISE FROM TOP ) SETH WILLINGHAM , NOAH GILBERT , PETER BLACK AND ANDRE MAGARAO
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