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This Grey Nurse Shark (Carcharias taurus) commands an undeniable presence amidst a backdrop of countless other grey nurse sharks, swirling baitfish, and the striking blue light filtering through the cave's distant opening. Captured in December 2023 at South West Rocks, New South Wales, Australia, the photograph showcases the serene yet haunting beauty of one of the world’s most iconic and misunderstood shark species. Grey Nurse Sharks, while formidable in appearance with their jagged teeth and bulky frame, are non-aggressive, feeding primarily on small fish and squid. Unfortunately, this species is listed as critically endangered along the eastern Australian coastline, with their population declining due to habitat degradation, fishing bycatch, and historical overfishing. Fish Rock Cave provides a vital sanctuary for this species, serving as one of the few aggregation sites where these sharks can be observed in their natural environment. No bait or attractants were used for this image, ensuring a truly authentic moment within their habitat.

MARINE BIOLOGIST & PHOTOGRAPHER

Valerie Cornet is a marine biologist, having finished her PhD in 2025 at James Cook University. Her research has focused mainly on coral bleaching thermal dynamics, but her broader work spans ecology and species distribution of various study species (e.g., whale sharks and sea cucumbers), as well as remote sensing of both shallow reef and deep sea environments.

While science has been her primary field, photography has always been her passion and creative outlet, and her goal is to bridge these two worlds in a meaningful way. Growing up surrounded by nature, her camera became a tool for discovery and a way to share the wonder I felt.

Check out her gallery here.

MARINE BIOLOGIST & PHOTOGRAPHER