Marvel at these stunning shots zooming in on the wondrous wildlife that inhabits our oceans. You’ll want to look at these on the biggest screen possible.
It’s teeming with life, but over 80% of our oceans have never been seen by human eyes. This year’s entries for the Ocean Photographer of the Year competition help rectify that. With images plunging us directly into the deepest seas, or taking us high above the waves, they offer a breathtaking glimpse of a wild world that we rarely get a chance to witness.
Like this year’s winning image of a paper nautilus. It was photographed on a blackwater dive following a volcanic eruption in the Philippines. Blackwater diving entails hanging suspended above the looming deep, tethered to a boat in the dead of night to observe the mysterious creatures drifting up from the depths.
“I want to use this opportunity to bring these under-appreciated marine animals to the public,” says Jialing Cai, the marine biologist and amateur photographer behind this year’s top shot.
“The ocean is suffering a lot from human activities. What is more powerful than the feeling of guilt, is the sense of biophilia – the sense of wonder and awe – that can motivate people to actively care about the ocean and start doing what they can to protect it,” she says.
An annual contest open to professionals and amateurs alike, the aim of the Ocean Photographer of the Year competition is to “shine a light on the beauty of the ocean and the threats it faces”.
Check out our pick of this year’s entries here.
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Photo: Jialing Cai
Photo: Andrei Savin
A freediver gazes at the opening of a cenote, while sun rays illuminate the space. Mexico.
Photo: Malek Bouguenoun
Photo: Gabriel Barathieu
Photo: Sirachai Arunrugstichai
More stunning ocean photography
Photo: Renee Capozzola
Photo: Todd Glaser
Photo: Merche Llobera
Photo: Yung Sen Wu
Photo: Dmitri Kokh
The calm after the storm: After feeding on a baitball, almost diminishing it, a blue marlin swims through sparkling fish scales. Baja California Sur, Mexico.
Photo: Alex Postigo
Photo: Henley Spiers
Photo: Sylvie Ayer
Photo: Andrei Savin
Photo: Colin Tennant
Photo: Ollie Clarke
Photo: Merche Llobera
Photo: Ioannis Pavlos Evangelidis
Photo: Jack Pokoj
A sperm whale mother and calf. Dominica.
Photo: Kat Zhou
Photo: David Alpert
A colourful arrow squid photographed on a blackwater dive. West Palm Beach, Florida.
Photo: Kat Zhou
Photo: Kat Zhou
Photo: Renee Capazzola
Illuminated by the Arctic sun, a polar bear walks across a glacier that is adorned by a waterfall. Arctic.
Photo: Michael Haluwana
Photo: Shane Gross
We’re able to tell stories like this because of people like you. Join others from around the world in supporting Imagine5’s mission towards a sustainable future. Become a member, or donate what you can. Find out more here
