Black Grouper Print by Tony Rath Photography

This print will be 10”x15” and shipped directly to the winner of the auction. Following is a description of the photo from the photographer:

The Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System (BBRRS), inscribed as a UNESCO

World Heritage Site in 1996, is comprised of seven protected areas;

Bacalar Chico National Park and Marine Reserve, Blue Hole Natural

Monument, Half Moon Caye Natural Monument, South Water Caye Marine

Reserve, Glover’s Reef Marine Reserve, Laughing Bird Caye National Park and Sapodilla Cayes Marine Reserve. It is the largest reef complex in the Atlantic-Caribbean region and represents the second largest reef system in the world.

The unique array of reef types within one self-contained area distinguishes the BBRRS from other reef systems. The site is one of the most pristine reef ecosystems in the Western Hemisphere and was referred to ‘as the most remarkable reef in the West Indies’ by Charles Darwin.

In the nearly 35 years of its existence, the Hol Chan Marine Reserve has become a paradise for marine life as well as for SCUBA divers and underwater photographers. As I swim over the seagrass beds towards the coral, rays and nurse sharks swarm, turtles feed and packs of hunting jacks cruise through clouds of bait fish. As I sink deeper into the channel, massive schools of snapper and jacks swim past.

In the distance I spy it. One of the largest black groupers I have ever seen. Outside of the reserve, grouper are a delicacy and will bolt out of speargun range at the first hint of a diver. But here, now, he holds his ground, not fearing the bubble-blowing creature with a big black box. As I approach, a school of yellowtail jacks streams by to serve as a background. The grouper turns in profile as if presenting his best side for a portrait. I obliged.

Fine art prints are printed on Hahnemuhle FineArt Baryta Satin fine art paper. This is a natural white FineArt inkjet paper made of 100% α-cellulose that has been refined with a special inkjet coating for FineArt applications. The satin-gloss premium inkjet coating guarantees exceptional print results with intense colors, deep blacks, and outstanding sharpness.

The barium sulphate within the coating makes FineArt Baryta Satin a viable alternative to analog baryta paper. The acid- and lignin-free FineArt inkjet paper meets the most exacting requirements for age resistance and produces stunning FineArt reproductions of black and white and color photographs.

These prints are shipped unmatted and unframed so they can be finished according to your own preferences. 

• Name : Tony Rath