The underwater realm of the ocean has been a subject of intense fascination for all of human history and has been obsessively photographed since the dawn of modern photography.
But so much of the ocean remains unknown, and surprises from this vast marine world continue to dazzle and inspire anyone who takes the time to notice.
Ocean Conservancy, an environmental advocacy organization, is inspired on a daily basis by the ocean. It has staff fanned out around the world working to protect and revitalize marine ecosystems and the communities that depend on them. Through its efforts, the team is countering the various threats of overfishing, pollution, climate change, and more, with the latest in science-based policies.
Each year, Ocean Conservancy invites photographers to submit photographs for a contest aimed at raising awareness of both the wonders of the ocean and the threats it faces.
This year’s photographs span four categories — “Ocean Stores,” “Human Impact,” “Marine Wildlife,” and “Spectacular Seascapes” — and were judged by a team of established wildlife photographers.
Check out the winners below.
Judge’s Choice Winner: “Surprise” by Alexandra Rose
From the photographer:
“I have returned to this specific dive site [Los Islotes] several years in a row and determined that October is the best month for both sea lions and big schools of sardines. People are diving and snorkeling with these sea lions nearly every day for nine months of the year, so they are extremely accustomed to the presence of humans. I desperately wanted to capture one of these pinnipeds blasting through a ball of fish, but it all happens so quickly and, without planning, it’s easy to miss these shots. By the end of my dive, after watching this female sea lion swim figure eights around the same rocks, I finally timed it correctly and positioned myself right in the thick of the fish and waited for her to pop through. I think she was a bit surprised to see me!”
Human Impact Winner: “The Hunter’s Trash” by Angela Farmer
From the photographer:
“On one of my many swims with the Galapagos seals, I was swimming along the wall of Champion Islet when I saw a young pup spinning and playing with something in the water. She began swimming faster and faster, coming closer with each subsequent pass, and showing me how to spin until I could’ve easily reached out and touched her. She was incredibly intrigued with something she had found in the water. She continued to spin as if she was teaching me how to twirl. The more playful I became, she would zoom beneath me like a torpedo, blowing bubbles and spinning in circles with her newfound toy. I dove down and tried to mimic her, only to realize she was mimicking me and had a piece of plastic in her mouth. The very thing I try to protect these beautiful creatures from had become a toy to her. I took the chance when the pup left the plastic for me to play with on my turn and hid it from her. It was heart-wrenching to hide the very thing I know was bringing her so much joy but killing so much sea life. I urge you to do your part in saving our ocean and sea life by only supporting brands that use alternative non-plastic packaging.”
Marine Wildlife Winner: “Rasta Jelly” by Prue Wheeler
From the photographer:
“Thysanostoma loriferum [was] locally renamed ‘Rasta Jelly.’ We came across this jellyfish a few mile off the back of the Ningaloo Reef. Its vibrant color stuck out in the blue water as we passed it on a boat. Stretching over a meter and a half and floating in the vast ocean it created its own miniature ecosystem, surrounded by an entourage of accompanying marine life.”
Ocean Stories Winner: “Garza al vuelo – Fly Ardea Alba” by Diana de la Vega
From the photographer:
“This photo, taken in the morning, shows the activity and the dynamics between marine birds and fishermen at Hollywood beach in Cartagena, one of the most touristic spots in town. In the back and on the lower edges you can see the boat and fishermen, even the men reeling in the net and the surrounding birds. In the front, a white heron (Ardea alba) captured in flight about to join the other birds circling the fishermen and waiting for any small fish or leftovers to be thrown their way. This is a daily spectacle during the fishing season, with the fish getting invariably smaller given the relentless and uncontrolled activity of men fishing with the huge net that captures all.”
Spectacular Seascapes Winner: “The End of the World” by Kate McFadden
From the photographer:
“Never have I seen a more gorgeous sunset over the ocean than out in Montauk on Long Island.”
Honorable Mentions Selected by Ocean Conservancy Staff
“Sea otter with discarded can” by Shane Keena
“Gag or Throttle” by Carmen Cromer
“Schooling Jacks and Turtle” by David Fleetham
“Larval Pearlfish” by Rajiv Bhambri
“Wisdom” by Ronald Missick