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“The Vanishing Seal”

A Mediterranean monk seal, seen through the surface of the water.
A Mediterranean monk seal, seen through the surface of the water. Photo: © Bruno D’Amicis, Wildlife Photographer of the Year

This stunning shot shows the endangered Mediterranean monk seal off the coast of Greece. The animal is one of the rarest marine mammals in the world, according to NOAA, made rarer by hunting and human encroachment on its habitat. This photo was highly commended in the Natural Artistry category.