Our oceans, which span from the Atlantic to the Arctic, are not only vital to the livelihoods of communities but also home to countless mysteries and biological wonders. Covering approximately 70% of the earth’s surface, these vast bodies of water serve as resources for recreation, food, and transportation. Despite their size, much of the life within them remains undiscovered.
As the climate crisis continues to melt ice caps and raise sea levels, the threat to marine life from industrial fishing and pollution grows, making it increasingly essential to recognize the oceans’ irreplaceable value. This is where Oceanographic magazine and Blancpain‘s annual Ocean Photographer of the Year contest plays a crucial role in promoting conservation.
This year’s contest finalists are featured across various categories, including Adventure, Human Connection, Ocean Unseen, and Conservation. The Conservation category is split into two segments: Hope and Impact. The contest emphasizes that to truly understand and motivate action against the challenges our oceans face, we must grasp both the inherent and human-induced beauty and harshness of these waters.
Will Harrison, the contest’s founder and director, describes it as a platform for bringing global attention to important stories. “These photographs don’t just capture what’s beneath the surface; they surface the stories our planet most needs us to hear. As the pressures on our ocean grow, so does the importance of the artists who bear witness to them.”
The winners are set to be announced in September. You can view all the finalists in the competition’s online gallery and stay updated on Instagram.
