This blue planet

Our oceans have long been a source of fascination and awe. But many of us have only experienced them from or near the shore. The Ocean Photographer of the Year competition, the finalists of which were recently announced, reveals a world few of us get a chance to see.

Featuring coastal, drone and underwater photography, this year’s images showcase the beauty and fragility of our oceans. They not only capture the vibrant life above and below the waves but also tell urgent stories about the threats our marine environments face.

Some photos emphasize the sheer scale and majesty of the oceans, like an aerial shot of an immense melting ice shelf in the Arctic. Others draw attention to the delicate ecosystems that are increasingly under threat from climate change, pollution and overfishing. An octopus sheltering in a plastic bag is a stark reminder of the human impact on marine life.

There are lighter moments too, like a seagull taking a rest on the back of a swimming sea turtle before going on its way. Meanwhile, the ‘conservation (hope)’ category underlines successful efforts to restore coral reefs and revive endangered fish and mammal populations.

The Ocean Photographer of the Year contest, which is presented by Oceanographic Magazine and Blancpain, is open to both professionals and amateurs. This year’s contest attracted more than 15,000 entries. Category winners and 2024’s overall winner will be announced on September 12. In the meantime, you can marvel at all the finalists here.