いったいいつからだったかもう忘れてしまったけれど、たぶん10年以上前からずっとパプアニューギニアに興味を持っていました。というか憧れていたという方が正しいでしょうか。これまで撮影の仕事で世界各地を飛び回り潜ってきていたものの、なぜかパプアニューギニアは僕にとって縁遠い場所だった。
パプアといえば赤道直下、紺碧の海、土と緑の匂いが蒸せるジャングル、響く野生動物の声、派手な衣装をまとった民族...。思い浮かぶのは好奇心を刺激するワイルドなキーワードばかり。特に僕の専門分野である海中に関して言えば、日本国内には情報がまだまだ少ない。海外の図鑑などで調べる限り、パプア周辺には固有種や、地域特色の強い魚なども少なくないと訊く。とは言え、実際に行ったことがなかったので具体的なことサッパリ分からない。けれども「なんだか凄そう！」という雰囲気だけは強く感じとっていた。
そんななか今年に入り、念願かなってパプアニューギニアに行く機会を得た。しかも嬉しいことにトントンと企画の話が進み、今年だけでもあと数回は撮影行く予定だ。あれだけ縁遠い場所だったはずなのに、人生とはつくづく面白い。そして、せっかくこのような執筆の機会を頂いたので、パプアニューギニアで出会った海の面白生物を中心に、美しい風景、野生動物、文化、人などなど印象的だった出会いを紹介していきたいと思う。
まず紹介したいのがトゥフィという海域で撮影した、パプアニューギニアの代名詞的な魚と言えるパープルビューティーの群れ。パプアニューギニアのダイビングポイントでは、どこででも見られると言っても過言ではないのだが、多彩な魚が入り混じる中でも、その紫色の体色は一際目を惹く存在。少々そのまま過ぎる気もするが、体を表したストレートなネーミングに好感が持てる。
実際のところ特別に珍しい種の魚という訳ではないのだが、この群れの量と密度の濃さで考えれば、パプアニューギニアは世界でも間違いなくトップクラスだと思う。特に浅瀬のサンゴ群生に住みつく群れは極上の美しさは特筆すべきものがある。ただでさえ美しい体色が強い太陽に照らされ、よりいっそう濃く輝き、海の青とサンゴの緑と混じり合い、誰もがイメージするような、絵に描いたような南の島の海中風景が出来上がる。
サンゴという山脈を覆う紫の雲海は、ダイバーだからこそ味わうことができる絶景なのかもしれない。こんな光景がいつも目の前にあるものだから、パプアでのダイビングがやめられなくなってしまうのだろう。
◯ Text by 水中写真家 古見きゅう
東京都出身。本州最南端の町、和歌山県串本にて、ダイビングガイドとして活動したのち写真家として独立。 現在は東京を拠点に国内外の海を飛び回り、独特な視点から海の美しさやユニークな生き物などを切り撮り、 新聞、週刊誌、科学誌など様々な媒体で作品や連載記事などを発表している。著書に海の生き物たちのコミュニケーションをテーマとした写真集「WA!」(小学館)などがある。 2012年には自身初となる海外での個展も開催した。
公式サイト
公式ブログ
*パプアニューギニアへのアクセス方法*
パプアニューギニアは、オーストラリアの北にあるニューギニア島の右側半分がパプアニューギニアで、日本からは、成田空港からニューギニア航空の直行便が週1便、運行され、約6時間半で、「最後の楽園パプアニューギニア」を訪れることができます。
パプアニューギニア政府観光局
パプアニューギニア・ファンサイト
Papua New Guinea
(01 of48)
(credit:Flickr)
(02 of48)
(credit:Flickr)
(03 of48)
(credit:Flickr)
(04 of48)
(credit:Flickr)
(05 of48)
(credit:Flickr)
(06 of48)
(credit:Flickr)
Papua New Guinea (5986599443)(07 of48)
Description In the highlands of Papua new Guinea. Read about PNG on http://www. eguidetravel. papua-new-guinea/ eGuide Travel | Source http://www. ... (credit:WikiMedia:)
Papua new guinea (7547456408)(08 of48)
Description papua new guinea | Source http://www. flickr. com/photos/cmichel67/7547456408/ papua new guinea. Uploaded by russavia | Date 2012- ... (credit:WikiMedia:)
Bluespotted stingray papua new guinea(09 of48)
Description Bluespotted stingray (Neotrygon kuhlii) off Papua New Guinea. | Source http://www. flickr. com/photos/53357045@N02/4973030551/ ... (credit:WikiMedia:)
Retired Papua New Guinea Cyclones(10 of48)
Description Cumulative track map of cyclones named by Papua New Guinea that have had their names retired . The points show the location of ... (credit:WikiMedia:)
Blue starfish in Papua New Guinea(11 of48)
Description Blue starfish, Linckia laevigata Papua new guinea | Papua New Guinea | Source | Date 2004-04 | Author https://sites. ... (credit:WikiMedia:)
PNG Theatre Group(12 of48)
(credit:Flickr:DFAT photo library)
Port Moresby prosthetic limbs(13 of48)
(credit:Flickr:DFAT photo library)
Photographing market life at Gerehu. Children (pikinini's) and women make up the majority of the market. Photo by Ness Kerton for AusAID.(14 of48)
(credit:Flickr:DFAT photo library)
Homeless boys at City Mission Farm learning various vocational skills.(15 of48)
(credit:Flickr:DFAT photo library)
Homeless boys at City Mission Farm learning various vocational skills.(16 of48)
(credit:Flickr:DFAT photo library)
Homeless boys at City Mission Farm learning various vocational skills.(17 of48)
(credit:Flickr:DFAT photo library)
Children at Buk bilong Pikinini (books for children). Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea.(18 of48)
(credit:Flickr:DFAT photo library)
Children at Buk bilong Pikinini (books for children). Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea.(19 of48)
(credit:Flickr:DFAT photo library)
Children at Buk bilong Pikinini (books for children). Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea.(20 of48)
(credit:Flickr:DFAT photo library)
Children at Buk bilong Pikinini (books for children). Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea.(21 of48)
(credit:Flickr:DFAT photo library)
Children at Buk bilong Pikinini (books for children). Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea.(22 of48)
(credit:Flickr:DFAT photo library)
Children at Buk bilong Pikinini (books for children). Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea.(23 of48)
(credit:Flickr:DFAT photo library)
Children at Buk bilong Pikinini (books for children). Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea.(24 of48)
(credit:Flickr:DFAT photo library)
Children at Buk bilong Pikinini (books for children). Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea.(25 of48)
(credit:Flickr:DFAT photo library)
Children at Buk bilong Pikinini (books for children). Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea.(26 of48)
(credit:Flickr:DFAT photo library)
Children at Buk bilong Pikinini (books for children). Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea.(27 of48)
(credit:Flickr:DFAT photo library)
Children at Buk bilong Pikinini (books for children). Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea.(28 of48)
(credit:Flickr:DFAT photo library)
Children at Buk bilong Pikinini (books for children). Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea.(29 of48)
(credit:Flickr:DFAT photo library)
Children at Buk bilong Pikinini (books for children). Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea.(30 of48)
(credit:Flickr:DFAT photo library)
Children at Buk bilong Pikinini (books for children). Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea.(31 of48)
(credit:Flickr:DFAT photo library)
The Prince Of Wales And Duchess Of Cornwall Visit Papua New Guinea - Day 3(32 of48)
PORT MORESBY, PAPUA NEW GUINEA - NOVEMBER 05: Dancers pose for a photo as they prepare to sing to Prince Charles, Prince of Wales he leaves the Airways Hotel on November 4, 2012 in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. The Royal couple are in Papua New Guinea on the first leg of a Diamond Jubilee Tour taking in Papua New Guinea, Australia and New Zealand. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
The Prince Of Wales And Duchess Of Cornwall Visit Papua New Guinea - Day 3(33 of48)
PORT MORESBY, PAPUA NEW GUINEA - NOVEMBER 05: Prince Charles, Prince of Wales is sung to by dancers as she leaves the Airways Hotel on November 4, 2012 in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. The Royal couple are in Papua New Guinea on the first leg of a Diamond Jubilee Tour taking in Papua New Guinea, Australia and New Zealand. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
The Prince Of Wales And Duchess Of Cornwall Visit Papua New Guinea - Day 3(34 of48)
PORT MORESBY, PAPUA NEW GUINEA - NOVEMBER 05: Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall is sung to by dancers as she leaves the Airways Hotel on November 4, 2012 in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. The Royal couple are in Papua New Guinea on the first leg of a Diamond Jubilee Tour taking in Papua New Guinea, Australia and New Zealand. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
The Prince Of Wales And Duchess Of Cornwall Visit Papua New Guinea - Day 3(35 of48)
PORT MORESBY, PAPUA NEW GUINEA - NOVEMBER 05: Dancers pose for a photo as they prepare to sing to Prince Charles, Prince of Wales he leaves the Airways Hotel on November 4, 2012 in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. The Royal couple are in Papua New Guinea on the first leg of a Diamond Jubilee Tour taking in Papua New Guinea, Australia and New Zealand. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
The Prince Of Wales And Duchess Of Cornwall Visit Papua New Guinea - Day 2(36 of48)
PORT MORESBY, PAPUA NEW GUINEA - NOVEMBER 04: (EDITORS NOTE: Image contains partial nudity.) Locals dance on a specially constructed \'boat\' as they greet Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall and Prince Charles, Prince of Wales during a visit to Borea Village on November 4, 2012 in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. The Royal couple are in Papua New Guinea on the first leg of a Diamond Jubilee Tour taking in Papua New Guinea, Australia and New Zealand. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
The Prince Of Wales And Duchess Of Cornwall Visit Papua New Guinea - Day 2(37 of48)
PORT MORESBY, PAPUA NEW GUINEA - NOVEMBER 04: Women in traditional dress prepare to greet Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall and Prince Charles, Prince of Wales in Sir John Guise Stadium after a cultural performance on November 4, 2012 in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. The Royal couple are in Papua New Guinea on the first leg of a Diamond Jubilee Tour taking in Papua New Guinea, Australia and New Zealand. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
The Prince Of Wales And Duchess Of Cornwall Visit Papua New Guinea - Day 2(38 of48)
PORT MORESBY, PAPUA NEW GUINEA - NOVEMBER 04: \'Mud Men\' in traditional dress prepare to greet Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall and Prince Charles, Prince of Wales in Sir John Guise Stadium after a cultural performance on November 4, 2012 in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. The Royal couple are in Papua New Guinea on the first leg of a Diamond Jubilee Tour taking in Papua New Guinea, Australia and New Zealand. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
The Prince Of Wales And Duchess Of Cornwall Visit Papua New Guinea - Day 2(39 of48)
PORT MORESBY, PAPUA NEW GUINEA - NOVEMBER 04: A man in traditional Papua dress prepares to greet Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall and Prince Charles, Prince of Wales in Sir John Guise Stadium after a cultural performance on November 4, 2012 in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. The Royal couple are in Papua New Guinea on the first leg of a Diamond Jubilee Tour taking in Papua New Guinea, Australia and New Zealand. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
The Prince Of Wales And Duchess Of Cornwall Visit Papua New Guinea - Day 2(40 of48)
PORT MORESBY, PAPUA NEW GUINEA - NOVEMBER 04: A man in traditional Papua dress prepares to greet Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall and Prince Charles, Prince of Wales in Sir John Guise Stadium after a cultural performance on November 4, 2012 in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. The Royal couple are in Papua New Guinea on the first leg of a Diamond Jubilee Tour taking in Papua New Guinea, Australia and New Zealand. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
The Prince Of Wales And Duchess Of Cornwall Visit Papua New Guinea - Day 2(41 of48)
PORT MORESBY, PAPUA NEW GUINEA - NOVEMBER 04: Children wait to greet Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall and Prince Charles, Prince of Wales as they visit Borea Village on November 4, 2012 in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. The Royal couple are in Papua New Guinea on the first leg of a Diamond Jubilee Tour taking in Papua New Guinea, Australia and New Zealand. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
The Prince Of Wales And Duchess Of Cornwall Visit Papua New Guinea - Day 2(42 of48)
PORT MORESBY, PAPUA NEW GUINEA - NOVEMBER 04: A dancer prepares to greet Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall and Prince Charles, Prince of Wales in Sir John Guise Stadium after a cultural performance on November 4, 2012 in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. The Royal couple are in Papua New Guinea on the first leg of a Diamond Jubilee Tour taking in Papua New Guinea, Australia and New Zealand. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
The Prince Of Wales And Duchess Of Cornwall Visit Papua New Guinea - Day 2(43 of48)
PORT MORESBY, PAPUA NEW GUINEA - NOVEMBER 04: A man in traditional Papua dress prepares to greet Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall and Prince Charles, Prince of Wales in Sir John Guise Stadium after a cultural performance on November 4, 2012 in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. The Royal couple are in Papua New Guinea on the first leg of a Diamond Jubilee Tour taking in Papua New Guinea, Australia and New Zealand. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
The Prince Of Wales And Duchess Of Cornwall Visit Papua New Guinea - Day 2(44 of48)
PORT MORESBY, PAPUA NEW GUINEA - NOVEMBER 04: A dancer prepares to greet Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall and Prince Charles, Prince of Wales in Sir John Guise Stadium after a cultural performance on November 4, 2012 in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. The Royal couple are in Papua New Guinea on the first leg of a Diamond Jubilee Tour taking in Papua New Guinea, Australia and New Zealand. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
The Prince Of Wales And Duchess Of Cornwall Visit Papua New Guinea - Day 2(45 of48)
PORT MORESBY, PAPUA NEW GUINEA - NOVEMBER 04: Dancers prepare to greet Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall and Prince Charles, Prince of Wales in Sir John Guise Stadium after a cultural performance on November 4, 2012 in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. The Royal couple are in Papua New Guinea on the first leg of a Diamond Jubilee Tour taking in Papua New Guinea, Australia and New Zealand. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
The Prince Of Wales And Duchess Of Cornwall Visit Papua New Guinea - Day 2(46 of48)
PORT MORESBY, PAPUA NEW GUINEA - NOVEMBER 04: (EDITORS NOTE: Image contains partial nudity.) Locals dance on a specially constructed \'boat\' as they greet Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall and Prince Charles, Prince of Wales during a visit to Borea Village on November 4, 2012 in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. The Royal couple are in Papua New Guinea on the first leg of a Diamond Jubilee Tour taking in Papua New Guinea, Australia and New Zealand. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
The Prince Of Wales And Duchess Of Cornwall Visit Papua New Guinea - Day 2(47 of48)
PORT MORESBY, PAPUA NEW GUINEA - NOVEMBER 04: Dancers prepare to greet Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall and Prince Charles, Prince of Wales in Sir John Guise Stadium after a cultural performance on November 4, 2012 in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. The Royal couple are in Papua New Guinea on the first leg of a Diamond Jubilee Tour taking in Papua New Guinea, Australia and New Zealand. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
The Prince Of Wales And Duchess Of Cornwall Visit Papua New Guinea - Day 2(48 of48)
PORT MORESBY, PAPUA NEW GUINEA - NOVEMBER 04: Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall looks on as Prince Charles, Prince of Wales plants a mangrove sapling during a visit to Borea Village on November 4, 2012 in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. The Royal couple are in Papua New Guinea on the first leg of a Diamond Jubilee Tour taking in Papua New Guinea, Australia and New Zealand. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)