Fishy photo competition for wetland

Smile please: Bernard Groenwalds entry, left, was last years winner in the compact wide-angle category while Charles Scalliet won in the macro unrestricted category.

KwaZulu-Natal - More than 160 divers, armed with cameras, will be hitting the water in iSimangaliso Wetland Park tomorrow, all hoping to win the 13th annual “shootout”.

The iSimangaliso Sodwana Bay Shootout and Eco-festival, over four days, promotes heritage values, biodiversity and conservation.

“iSimangaliso is heralded as one of the world’s ‘Jewels of the Ocean’, an accolade given to the 42 marine world heritage sites globally, and is even more rare in combining both terrestrial and marine components,” says the organisation in a statement.

Some of the best underwater photographers and videographers in the country and beyond will compete in various categories, while landlubbers are kept busy with a host of activities.

iSimangaliso CEO Andrew Zaloumis said: “We would like to encourage residents and visitors to Sodwana Bay to participate and share in the comradeship offered by local businesses and residents alike. Not only are there great prizes on offer, the event promises to provide fun for everyone. Collaboration and working partnerships with local businesses and communities is critical to growing tourism and conservation success.”

Contestants will have to follow strict guidelines for the competition.

“Marine life should never be stressed or endangered for the sake of a photo or video clip. Conservation rules will apply to all entries and decisions will be final.

“If divers are found to be visibly damaging the environment; animals are showing signs of stress; animals are being moved to an unnatural environment or risky location; animals are being fed; marine life is being touched; and the diver is exhibiting poor buoyancy control, the entry will be disqualified,” the organisation’s contest website states.

The event will culminate in a prizegiving dinner on Saturday where winning images and footage will be on display.

The competition recognises competitors at various skill levels from novice through to advanced and even professional entrants, says the website.

“The competition attracts an extensive list of sponsors and prizes. Keep visiting to watch the list grow!”

The entry fee is staggered this year, according to level of expertise, from R150 up to R350 and those wishing to enter both still and video sections can expect to pay a slightly higher rate.

“A compulsory conservation donation of R20 per person is levied towards the iSimangaliso Rare and Endangered Species Conservation Fund,” the website says.

For non-divers, activities and games such as beach volleyball, sand sculpture, kite-boarding displays, eco-adventures, environmental education and a beach clean-up will be on the go.

There will also be a 14km and 5km fun run/walk organised by Training Sodwana Bay and managed by the Zululand Multisports Club.

“The race is open to all ages. Individuals under 15 years of age will qualify for the 5km race and those over 15 year could compete for the longer run. School and corporate teams were welcome,” according to the organisation’s press statement.

The 14km will start in Mbazwana and follow the main road to Sodwana Bay and, along with the 5km, will end with a loop over the dunes and on to the beach, incorporating a short trail-run section. - Daily News