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Mr. Blobby, the deep-sea dweller famously dubbed the “world’s ugliest animal,” has defied the odds and claimed the coveted title of New Zealand’s Fish of the Year. This surprising upset, orchestrated by the Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust, saw the gelatinous, tadpole-like blobfish surge ahead of the orange roughy in a nail-biting finish, securing nearly 1,300 out of over 5,500 votes.
While Mr. Blobby’s unconventional appearance may not be everyone’s cup of tea, his victory highlights the trust’s mission to educate the public about the diverse fish species inhabiting New Zealand’s waters and the threats facing their delicate ecosystems. The annual competition, now in its [nth – could not find this information] year, showcases the unique beauty and importance of often-overlooked aquatic life.
Kim Jones, co-director of the trust, acknowledged the unusual nature of the contest, calling it a “battle of two quirky deep-sea critters.” The blobfish’s unique “beauty” ultimately won over the hearts of voters.
It should be noted that the blobfish’s unusual appearance is a result of the drastic pressure change experienced when brought to the surface. In its natural habitat, thousands of feet below the ocean’s surface, it looks like a typical fish.
Interestingly, despite its long-standing role as the mascot of the Ugly Animal Preservation Society, the blobfish trailed the endangered orange roughy for much of the competition. A late surge in popularity, credited to two New Zealand radio hosts rallying their listeners to support the underdog, propelled Mr. Blobby to victory.
The hosts, Sarah Gandy and Paul Flynn of More FM, expressed their satisfaction with the outcome, stating they, and the people of New Zealand, felt it was time for the perpetually bullied blobfish to have its moment.
Even the Environmental Law Initiative, which sponsored the orange roughy, graciously accepted the result, emphasizing the importance of raising awareness about deep-sea ecosystems and the destructive impacts of bottom trawling. They viewed the outcome as a win for these crucial environments regardless of which fish took the top spot.