The Ocean Photographer of the Year is a celebration of our beautiful blue planet and this year's entries are as stunning as ever.
Ocean photographers of all disciplines and experience levels - amateurs and professionals alike - are invited to submit their most impactful imagery to be judged by a panel of ocean photographers, editors and museum/gallery curators.
Ocean Photographer of the Year is co-presented by Oceanographic Magazine and Blancpain. They are long-time collaborators, both possessing an inherent belief that purpose-driven storytelling has an important role to play in the pursuit of a better protected ocean. Photography is the most important element in such storytelling, a shared passion that has catapulted OPY to the forefront of Oceanographic’s and Blancpain’s collaborative endeavours.
The finalists for this year's competition have now been revealed. Here are a selection of OGN's favourites.
In Papua New Guinea's Conflict Islands, conservation efforts have transformed former poachers into protectors, boosting turtle hatchling numbers. “Amid this success, a rare leucistic green sea turtle was found amongst the nests,” says Wilton. “Using the surface of the calm water I captured the striking reflection of the hatchling as it surfaced for air. The discovery is a testament to the successful turnaround in conservation efforts and the beauty of these endangered creatures.”
A triumphant mahi-mahi or common dolphinfish proudly displays its catch amidst a feeding frenzy. “Its vibrant yellow and green hues shimmer brilliantly under the refracted sunlight against the stunning blue of the Pacific Ocean,” says Castellanos Raboso.
“Native to the Galápagos Islands, marine iguanas are a striking example of nature's incredible adaptability. Unlike other iguanas around the world, these are the only ones that have evolved to swim and feed underwater, holding their breath for up to 60 minutes," says Fernandez Caballero.
A fully grown breaching humpback whale on its migration path along the Australian coastline.
A giant Pacific octopus in the shallows. “In late autumn, when the water temperature drops sharply to 5 degrees Celsius, giant Pacific octopuses rush to shallow water," says Shpatak.
“Every year, thousands of mobula rays congregate in the Sea of Cortez. It is a breathtaking phenomenon to witness,” explains Leusko. “What initially looked like a dark ball of movement from the sky, transformed into an intricate lattice of mobula upon mobula as I flew my drone closer. That’s when they started jumping out of the water and it was pure magic."
If you would like to look at more stunning photography collections, please see OGN Photography
Today's Articles
Cancer Nutraceutical: Manuka honey reduced breast cancer cell growth by 84 percent without harming healthy cells or causing major side effects.
Simple Solution? Copying Spain's wealth tax would easily solve global climate action finance requirements.
New Photovoltaic Panel: Breakthrough means that there is no need to choose between crops or solar panels - both can work in harmony.
Mystery Solved: Why flamingos stand on one leg - even for experts, this hasn’t been an easy question to answer.