No. 57
Hunting Frenzy
An endemic Galápagos sea lion breaks through a dense school of Black Salema while hunting off the Galápagos Islands. The predatory charge forces the fish into a tight, defensive bait ball, forming a circular vortex around the sea lion. The image shows the exact moment the school splits under the pressure of the attack, highlighted against the ambient light from the surface. Photographing this interaction required managing the high speed of both the predator and the school in a fast-changing wildlife encounter.
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- Voting closes
- 28 Nov 202611.59pm, Singapore time
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- 29 Nov 2026on the exhibition’s final day
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About the photographer
Fabi Fregonesi is a Brazilian underwater photographer who left her corporate career in 2024 to pursue photography full-time. A passionate advocate for sharks and marine conservation, she uses visual storytelling to challenge misconceptions and inspire ocean protection. With over 30 awards, she became the first Brazilian woman to reach the podium at the prestigious Underwater Photographer of the Year competition.