The ghost-like photograph of a critically endangered green sawfish swimming with a green turtle by Broome-based photographer Matt Deakin has been named the overall winner of the 2026 Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year, now on display at the South Australian Museum.
The photograph, titled Ethereal Encounter, was captured in waters off the Pilbara in the far north of Matt’s home state of Western Australia.
“My drone was about 2.5km away, the light was fading and the low battery alert was beeping, and then this sawfish came out of deep water and I just said ‘wow’,” Matt said, sharing the story behind his winning image.
“It swam directly through four or five turtles with most quickly swimming away, but one stayed. I pushed the drone as long as I could to get the pictures.”
Matt is passionate about preserving the environment and protecting all of nature’s beauties, with his photograph shining a light on the critically endangered green sawfish (Pristis zijsron).
“It’s nice that it has now received such recognition because a lot of people don’t know what they are. For them to understand that this is a threatened species brings it to a lot more people’s attention now,” Matt explained.
Ethereal Encounter is one of 100 spectacular photographs showcasing the unique beauty of the ANZANG bioregion of Australia, New Zealand, Antarctica and New Guinea.
In its 23rd year, the Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year is owned and produced by the South Australian Museum and is Australia’s most prestigious nature photographic competition.
In 2026, the competition attracted 2,129 entries from 501 photographers in 17 countries.
South Australian Museum Manager, Exhibitions & Galleries, Tim Gilchrist, said the 100 finalist images illustrate both the beauty and harsh reality of nature.
“The photographs span categories including animals in nature, animal behaviour, botanical and landscape, which showcase the beauty of nature, as well as threatened species and our impact, which make us stop and think about what we as a society are doing to the environment,” Tim explained.
“I urge everyone to come and see the photographs for yourself – they are absolutely incredible.”
The 2026 Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year exhibition is currently on display at the South Australian Museum until Sunday 14 February 2027.
More information on the South Australian Museum website: whatson.samuseum.sa.gov.au
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