Scientists help keep nature in the frame
Niwa's scientists have again shown off their photographic flair with pictures showcased at the institute's Excellence Awards ceremony in Auckland this week. The images offer an insight into the stunning landscapes the scientists get to work in, from the ice shelves of Antarctica to the summit of Mt Ruapehu. Scientific diver Crispin Middleton (at left) won the Our People section for a photograph he calls "Toado Selfie". Taken at the Poor Knights Marine Reserve, he is surrounded by panicked Starry Toado pufferfish. These fish are rarely seen and usually live in deep open water. On rare occasions they stray too close to land and get attacked by hungry kingfish and snapper. The judges - photography professionals Ross Giblin of Fairfax Media, Gerry le Roux from Science Lens and Niwa's Dave Allen, commented that the world would be a better place "if more selfies were this good".
Image 1 of 5: Scientific diver Crispin Middleton is surrounded by panicked Starry Toado Pufferfish at the Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve. Photo / Crispin Middleton
