Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty beneath the waves and the urgent need to protect it, in the latest edition of the Ocean Photographer of the Year competition.
Finalists for this prestigious international photography competition have just been revealed and this year’s entries are as impressive as ever, zooming in on the incredible variety of marine life, from giant humpbacks to miniscule skeleton shrimp.
These awe-inspiring images are a way to engage with a world we can often only glimpse.
“In the midst of a deepening climate and biodiversity crisis on our blue planet, ocean photography has never been more important. These images are far more than just beautiful – they are powerful visual testaments to what we stand to lose, and they remind us of the urgent need for protection. Ocean Photographer of the Year continues to be a vital platform for sharing critical stories from above and below the waterline,” says Ocean Photographer of the Year director Will Harrison.
The annual competition is presented by Oceanographic Magazine and Blancpain, and category winners, along with the overall contest winner, will be announced in September. See the 2025 winners gallery for more.
French Polynesia.
“I took this photo during one of the most special encounters I’ve had in years. This curious female whale kept coming back to us, very close, again and again. It was just my group, her, and a male watching quietly from a distance, around 20m deep. He never came closer, but he didn’t leave either.” Photo: Joaquin Fregoni
“I took this photo during one of the most special encounters I’ve had in years. This curious female whale kept coming back to us, very close, again and again. It was just my group, her, and a male watching quietly from a distance, around 20m deep. He never came closer, but he didn’t leave either.” Photo: Joaquin Fregoni
Antarctica
“It’s amazing how fast gentoo penguins are able to build a colony during the austral summer in the Antarctic peninsula. Port Charcot is usually a good place for this. This sheltered bay surrounded by mountains and icebergs is a perfect base for gentoos. We anchored our sailboat in this bay for three days, near the colony. We got in the water every day to enjoy the spectacle of these highly curious birds, who came to check on us so many times. Clumsy on land, these birds are fast and agile in the water.” Photo: Romain Barats
“It’s amazing how fast gentoo penguins are able to build a colony during the austral summer in the Antarctic peninsula. Port Charcot is usually a good place for this. This sheltered bay surrounded by mountains and icebergs is a perfect base for gentoos. We anchored our sailboat in this bay for three days, near the colony. We got in the water every day to enjoy the spectacle of these highly curious birds, who came to check on us so many times. Clumsy on land, these birds are fast and agile in the water.” Photo: Romain Barats
Antarctica
“Weddell seals thrive in the harshest environment on the planet. These large mammals, distributed throughout Antarctica, have a thick layer of fur and blubber that act both as a food reserve and insulation. The finely packed fur allows them to survive in temperatures as low as -60℃ (-76℉). This image was taken after this seal had hauled itself out of the water and onto the ice floe to rest. It would later return to the icy depths of Antarctica to hunt.” Photo: Scott Portelli
“Weddell seals thrive in the harshest environment on the planet. These large mammals, distributed throughout Antarctica, have a thick layer of fur and blubber that act both as a food reserve and insulation. The finely packed fur allows them to survive in temperatures as low as -60℃ (-76℉). This image was taken after this seal had hauled itself out of the water and onto the ice floe to rest. It would later return to the icy depths of Antarctica to hunt.” Photo: Scott Portelli
Hawai’i
“Inside the world’s largest albatross colony at one of the most remote locations on the planet, a specially trained technician from the Papahānaumokuākea Marine Debris Project (PMDP) carefully weaves their way through thousands of albatross chicks while carrying a large ghost net. During their gruelling nineteen-day mission, the team removed more than 70,000 pounds of marine debris from this critically important wildlife habitat ensuring that these young albatross chicks will have a better chance at survival. Over the past four years PMDP has removed more than one million pounds of marine debris from Papahānaumokuākea. This is action-based conservation at its finest.” Photo: Name: Andrew Sullivan-Haskins
“Inside the world’s largest albatross colony at one of the most remote locations on the planet, a specially trained technician from the Papahānaumokuākea Marine Debris Project (PMDP) carefully weaves their way through thousands of albatross chicks while carrying a large ghost net. During their gruelling nineteen-day mission, the team removed more than 70,000 pounds of marine debris from this critically important wildlife habitat ensuring that these young albatross chicks will have a better chance at survival. Over the past four years PMDP has removed more than one million pounds of marine debris from Papahānaumokuākea. This is action-based conservation at its finest.” Photo: Name: Andrew Sullivan-Haskins
Indonesia
“In 2024/2025, mass coral bleaching affected 84% of reefs globally. Even areas once thought to be climate refuges, like Raja Ampat, were hit for the first time. Elevated water temperatures and nutrient imbalances pushed entire reef’s past a tipping point. Yet some areas proved resilient, like the intricate balance provided by this mangrove system. For Papuan communities, these reefs are part of their cultural identity while providing essential food and livelihood. Global greed and inaction are eroding one of the planet’s greatest ecosystems, casting deep uncertainty over the future for those who depend on coral reefs.” Photo: Wendy Mitchell
“In 2024/2025, mass coral bleaching affected 84% of reefs globally. Even areas once thought to be climate refuges, like Raja Ampat, were hit for the first time. Elevated water temperatures and nutrient imbalances pushed entire reef’s past a tipping point. Yet some areas proved resilient, like the intricate balance provided by this mangrove system. For Papuan communities, these reefs are part of their cultural identity while providing essential food and livelihood. Global greed and inaction are eroding one of the planet’s greatest ecosystems, casting deep uncertainty over the future for those who depend on coral reefs.” Photo: Wendy Mitchell
Indonesia
Thousands of skeleton shrimp have entirely colonised a gorgonian coral in North Sulawesi, Indonesia. “These crustaceans are actually not true shrimps but amphipods of the genus Caprella,” says photographer Alexis Chappuis. “As these animals feed on plankton, they should not impact their host. However, in this case, there were so many of them that they may be the reason why the gorgonian’s polyps were all retracted. Could this impact the feeding efficiency of their soft coral host?” Photo: Alexis Chappuis
Thousands of skeleton shrimp have entirely colonised a gorgonian coral in North Sulawesi, Indonesia. “These crustaceans are actually not true shrimps but amphipods of the genus Caprella,” says photographer Alexis Chappuis. “As these animals feed on plankton, they should not impact their host. However, in this case, there were so many of them that they may be the reason why the gorgonian’s polyps were all retracted. Could this impact the feeding efficiency of their soft coral host?” Photo: Alexis Chappuis
French Polynesia
“A whale-watching guide observes humpback whales in French Polynesia, maintaining a respectful and prudent distance. Personally, I have very few photographs with people and wildlife because I prefer to photograph animals in their natural environment with minimal interference. I believe that responsible imaging and behavior are crucial to preserving the integrity of wildlife. I share this photograph to promote a message of respect and responsible observation.” Photo: Alvaro Herrero
“A whale-watching guide observes humpback whales in French Polynesia, maintaining a respectful and prudent distance. Personally, I have very few photographs with people and wildlife because I prefer to photograph animals in their natural environment with minimal interference. I believe that responsible imaging and behavior are crucial to preserving the integrity of wildlife. I share this photograph to promote a message of respect and responsible observation.” Photo: Alvaro Herrero
Indonesia
“This is an image of a juvenile pinnate batfish captured using a slow shutter speed and deliberate camera panning to create motion and drama. Juveniles are known for striking black bodies outlined in vibrant orange — a coloration lost within months. I encountered this restless subject in the tropical waters of Indonesia’s Lembeh Strait. Capturing the image required patience and persistence over two dives, as these active young fish constantly dart into crevices for cover, making the shot particularly challenging to execute without interfering with the fish’s natural behavior.” Photo: Luis Arpa
“This is an image of a juvenile pinnate batfish captured using a slow shutter speed and deliberate camera panning to create motion and drama. Juveniles are known for striking black bodies outlined in vibrant orange — a coloration lost within months. I encountered this restless subject in the tropical waters of Indonesia’s Lembeh Strait. Capturing the image required patience and persistence over two dives, as these active young fish constantly dart into crevices for cover, making the shot particularly challenging to execute without interfering with the fish’s natural behavior.” Photo: Luis Arpa
Russia
“I’ve been diving in the Rudnaya Bay area for more than 40 years, but I’ve never seen a pea crab. I was lucky. Pea crabs spend most of their lives inside the shells of grey mussels, a symbiotic relationship that only ends when the mussel or crab dies. I can only assume that this pea crab was looking for a home when I managed to photograph it.” Photo: Andray Shpatak
“I’ve been diving in the Rudnaya Bay area for more than 40 years, but I’ve never seen a pea crab. I was lucky. Pea crabs spend most of their lives inside the shells of grey mussels, a symbiotic relationship that only ends when the mussel or crab dies. I can only assume that this pea crab was looking for a home when I managed to photograph it.” Photo: Andray Shpatak
Volume 4 is here.
Cover star Madame Gandhi on the sounds of the Antarctic, free climber Alex Honnold reveals his biggest challenge yet, actor Rainn Wilson embraces his soulful side and much much more!
Maldives
“I have rarely seen such verdant colourful soft corals on this scale anywhere, so was overjoyed to dive this site in the Maldives, at Maalhoss Thila, North Ari Atoll. Also known as Blue Caves, this site has been thriving for years, and having dived it over 20 years ago, it now seems more colourful and prolific than ever before – a beacon of hope for the future.” Photo: Catherine Holmes
“I have rarely seen such verdant colourful soft corals on this scale anywhere, so was overjoyed to dive this site in the Maldives, at Maalhoss Thila, North Ari Atoll. Also known as Blue Caves, this site has been thriving for years, and having dived it over 20 years ago, it now seems more colourful and prolific than ever before – a beacon of hope for the future.” Photo: Catherine Holmes
Seychelles
M.Sc. student Viktoria Sturm fills a Coral Bleaching Automated Stress System (CBASS) tank with freshly harvested coral fragments for a heat-stress experiment. Based in Seychelles, her research aims to determine the tolerance and resilience of four locally-found reef-building coral species to temperature increases in order to enhance coral restoration practices. “With this image, I tried to capture the attention and care Viktoria Sturm gave to the coral fragments, underlining the close connection between human beings and coral reefs, as well as the critical importance of scientific research to mitigate biodiversity erosion.” Photo: Hugo Bret
M.Sc. student Viktoria Sturm fills a Coral Bleaching Automated Stress System (CBASS) tank with freshly harvested coral fragments for a heat-stress experiment. Based in Seychelles, her research aims to determine the tolerance and resilience of four locally-found reef-building coral species to temperature increases in order to enhance coral restoration practices. “With this image, I tried to capture the attention and care Viktoria Sturm gave to the coral fragments, underlining the close connection between human beings and coral reefs, as well as the critical importance of scientific research to mitigate biodiversity erosion.” Photo: Hugo Bret
Philippines
“This image features a tiny juvenile candy crab, measuring a mere centimeter in size and perched on her pink coral mattress, which is also her favourite source of nutrition. This dinky but stunning crustacean evades predators and spectators alike not only due to its miniature stature, but its camouflage. The candy crab is a true hidden gem beneath the waves of the Tañon Strait in the Philippines, where this image was taken.” Photo: Jade Hoksbergen
“This image features a tiny juvenile candy crab, measuring a mere centimeter in size and perched on her pink coral mattress, which is also her favourite source of nutrition. This dinky but stunning crustacean evades predators and spectators alike not only due to its miniature stature, but its camouflage. The candy crab is a true hidden gem beneath the waves of the Tañon Strait in the Philippines, where this image was taken.” Photo: Jade Hoksbergen
Japan
“Capturing an image of a cardinal fish spawning at night seemed like an impossible task – it is a fleeting moment. On this day, in my third season of filming, I carefully approached the fish and positioned myself directly above it to avoid disturbing it, and was able to capture the scene. It was like a volcano bursting with life. During the shoot, I felt as if the mystery of life was finally revealed to me, and that if we remembered how to respect nature, it would surely accept us again.” Photo: Sho Otani
China
“Captured along the tidal flats where the blue sea meets golden sands, this image portrays a group of fishermen transforming their labor into a striking performance. Against a minimalist backdrop, their orderly procession, with red nets as props, creates a vivid interplay of warm and cool tones. The scene elevates mundane work into a vibrant tableau, celebrating the resilience and poetry of coastal life.” Photo: Jianping Li
“Captured along the tidal flats where the blue sea meets golden sands, this image portrays a group of fishermen transforming their labor into a striking performance. Against a minimalist backdrop, their orderly procession, with red nets as props, creates a vivid interplay of warm and cool tones. The scene elevates mundane work into a vibrant tableau, celebrating the resilience and poetry of coastal life.” Photo: Jianping Li
Indonesia
“In sunlit water, countless juvenile fish swirled around this dome-shaped coral, creating a mesmerizing scene. The vibrant coral, untouched by bleaching, was teeming with encrusting organisms, forming a complex and harmonious ecosystem that felt like a miniature planet. I captured this moment in shallow water at the end of a dive. In a time when marine ecosystems are rapidly disappearing, this image is a reminder of what we still have – and a hopeful glimpse of what we must protect for the future.” Photo: Kim Hyeon Min
“In sunlit water, countless juvenile fish swirled around this dome-shaped coral, creating a mesmerizing scene. The vibrant coral, untouched by bleaching, was teeming with encrusting organisms, forming a complex and harmonious ecosystem that felt like a miniature planet. I captured this moment in shallow water at the end of a dive. In a time when marine ecosystems are rapidly disappearing, this image is a reminder of what we still have – and a hopeful glimpse of what we must protect for the future.” Photo: Kim Hyeon Min
Philippines
“This image was taken on an early morning dive at Gatto Island, about a 50-minute boat ride from Malapascua in the Philippines. I have been to this dive site many times and I have always been amazed by the variety of underwater life. At the end of the first dive I noticed this squid egg on the seabed. The egg, only 2-3 centimeters in diameter, had drifted away from the squid’s nest and other eggs. I didn’t have much time to take a picture because I had to return to the surface.” Photo: László Földi
“This image was taken on an early morning dive at Gatto Island, about a 50-minute boat ride from Malapascua in the Philippines. I have been to this dive site many times and I have always been amazed by the variety of underwater life. At the end of the first dive I noticed this squid egg on the seabed. The egg, only 2-3 centimeters in diameter, had drifted away from the squid’s nest and other eggs. I didn’t have much time to take a picture because I had to return to the surface.” Photo: László Földi
Vietnam
“In this coastal region of Vietnam, sargassum seaweed grows and regenerates naturally, often rising above the water’s surface when fully matured, creating the impression of an underwater forest. Fishermen carry out their work using traditional round basket boats, manually handling the nets with care. The translucent net fans out in all directions, forming the striking illusion of a blooming sea flower. Throughout the process, maintaining harmony with nature is essential, as preserving the delicate balance of the surrounding ecosystem remains a top priority.” Photo: Natnattcha Chaturapitamorn
“In this coastal region of Vietnam, sargassum seaweed grows and regenerates naturally, often rising above the water’s surface when fully matured, creating the impression of an underwater forest. Fishermen carry out their work using traditional round basket boats, manually handling the nets with care. The translucent net fans out in all directions, forming the striking illusion of a blooming sea flower. Throughout the process, maintaining harmony with nature is essential, as preserving the delicate balance of the surrounding ecosystem remains a top priority.” Photo: Natnattcha Chaturapitamorn
Bonaire
“On the Caribbean island of Bonaire, a female brittle star rears up on the tips of its arms on top of a coral to release its eggs, a few nights after the full moon. The process is synchronised by the moon so that the eggs are fertilised by sperm from males in the open water and a new generation is born.” Photo: Solvin Zankl
“On the Caribbean island of Bonaire, a female brittle star rears up on the tips of its arms on top of a coral to release its eggs, a few nights after the full moon. The process is synchronised by the moon so that the eggs are fertilised by sperm from males in the open water and a new generation is born.” Photo: Solvin Zankl
Martinique
“In Martinique, the octopus, known locally as ‘chatroux’, is becoming increasingly rare due to human overconsumption. Marine reserves have been created to offer a refuge for all species, including the octopus, in order to protect them from overfishing and to preserve biodiversity. In this context, this encounter with an octopus and its eggs, observed in the Kay Pothuau marine reserve, clearly stands as a true sign of hope for conservation.” Photo: Théo Maynier
“In Martinique, the octopus, known locally as ‘chatroux’, is becoming increasingly rare due to human overconsumption. Marine reserves have been created to offer a refuge for all species, including the octopus, in order to protect them from overfishing and to preserve biodiversity. In this context, this encounter with an octopus and its eggs, observed in the Kay Pothuau marine reserve, clearly stands as a true sign of hope for conservation.” Photo: Théo Maynier
Dominica
“I’ve been fond of whales since my childhood, so I was really excited to get the opportunity to swim with sperm whales for the first time in my life,” says Barats. “I was extremely lucky on my first day at sea. We saw 15 whales socialising for 45 minutes or so. The sea was rough but when you get to see something like that you quickly forget the conditions. There were three of us in the water, spread out due to the action. The whales began to move out when I suddenly saw my buddy freediving from afar. I managed to get a shot of him surrounded by whales.” Photo: Romain Barats
“I’ve been fond of whales since my childhood, so I was really excited to get the opportunity to swim with sperm whales for the first time in my life,” says Barats. “I was extremely lucky on my first day at sea. We saw 15 whales socialising for 45 minutes or so. The sea was rough but when you get to see something like that you quickly forget the conditions. There were three of us in the water, spread out due to the action. The whales began to move out when I suddenly saw my buddy freediving from afar. I managed to get a shot of him surrounded by whales.” Photo: Romain Barats
Thailand
“A glass jar with an early-stage embryo of an Indo-Pacific Leopard shark (Stegostoma tigrinum), its egg case removed for a rearing experiment at Aquaria Phuket, one of Thailand’s largest private aquariums. Since 2023, the aquarium’s staff-driven breeding program has produced over 40 pups of this Endangered species, listed on the IUCN Red List. Aquaria Phuket now works with the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources, ReShark, WildAid, Ocean Blue Tree, and private partners on the StAR (Stegostoma tigrinum Augmentation and Recovery) Project Thailand, reintroducing these sharks to the wild, beginning August 2025.” Photo: Sirachai Arunrugstichai
“A glass jar with an early-stage embryo of an Indo-Pacific Leopard shark (Stegostoma tigrinum), its egg case removed for a rearing experiment at Aquaria Phuket, one of Thailand’s largest private aquariums. Since 2023, the aquarium’s staff-driven breeding program has produced over 40 pups of this Endangered species, listed on the IUCN Red List. Aquaria Phuket now works with the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources, ReShark, WildAid, Ocean Blue Tree, and private partners on the StAR (Stegostoma tigrinum Augmentation and Recovery) Project Thailand, reintroducing these sharks to the wild, beginning August 2025.” Photo: Sirachai Arunrugstichai
Mexico
“With a powerful sweep of its pectoral fins, a stingray vanishes into the blue, leaving behind a swirling cloud of sand. This dramatic burst isn’t just beautiful – it’s a survival tactic. The stingray’s sudden movement disturbs the seafloor, creating a dense visual barrier that confuses predators and conceals its escape. In a single graceful motion, it demonstrates a remarkable adaptation for life on the ocean floor—where defence, camouflage, and movement come together in a fleeting but unforgettable display.” Photo: Ysabella Coll
“With a powerful sweep of its pectoral fins, a stingray vanishes into the blue, leaving behind a swirling cloud of sand. This dramatic burst isn’t just beautiful – it’s a survival tactic. The stingray’s sudden movement disturbs the seafloor, creating a dense visual barrier that confuses predators and conceals its escape. In a single graceful motion, it demonstrates a remarkable adaptation for life on the ocean floor—where defence, camouflage, and movement come together in a fleeting but unforgettable display.” Photo: Ysabella Coll
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