The 2024 Ocean Photographer of the Year competition has once again showcased the awe-inspiring beauty and diversity of the world’s oceans. This year’s winning photos capture the essence of life beneath the waves, from mesmerizing marine wildlife to stunning underwater landscapes.
Each image is a testament to the photographers’ skill in documenting the vibrant ecosystems and delicate balance of the ocean’s habitats. The winning shots not only highlight the natural splendor of the underwater world but also draw attention to the pressing need for ocean conservation, offering a powerful visual reminder of what’s at stake in preserving our blue planet.
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The Ocean Photographer of the Year
#1. 1st place: Rafael Fernandez Caballero, Baja California Sur, Mexico
A Bryde’s whale takes a bite. “A feeding frenzy is the biggest show on earth for me. The smallest animals on earth, plankton, attract bait balls of sardines and, in turn, giant whales show up,” says Fernández Caballero. “I was lucky to witness this show off Baja California Sur at the end of 2023. Due to El Niño and warmer temperatures, different species joined the party and I witnessed huge numbers of beautifully coloured dorados and large groups of sea lions that were attracted by the bait balls. The highlight was this whale coming out of nowhere with its mouth wide open.”
#2. 2nd place: Jade Hoksbergen, Isle of Noss, Shetland Islands
#3. 3rd place: Thien Nguyen, Hon Yen, Vietnam
Wildlife Photographer of the Year
#4. 1st place: Manuel Castellanos Raboso, Baja California Sur, Mexico
#5. 2nd place: Rafael Fernandez Caballero, Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
#6. 3rd place: Andrey Shpatak, Russia
Fine Art Photographer of the Year
#7. 1st place: Henley Spiers, Baja California Sur, Mexico
#8. 2nd place: Julien Anton, Tahiti, French Polynesia
#9. 3rd place: Mark Williams, Canada
Adventure Photographer of the Year
#10. 1st place: Tobias Friedrich, The Bahamas
#11. 2nd place: Sébastien Bachellereau, New South Wales, Australia
#12. 3rd place: Daan Verhoeven, The Bahamas
Conservation (Impact) Photographer of the Year
#13. 1st place: Frederik Brogaard, Iceland
#14. 2nd place: Rebecca Douglas, Isle of Noss, Shetland
#15. 3rd place: Andrew Sullivan-Haskins, Hawaii, USA
Conservation (Hope) Photographer of the Year
#16. 1st place: Shane Gross, Seychelles
#17. 2nd place: Edwar Herreno, Costa Rica
#18. 3rd place: Matty Smith, Sydney, Australia
Human Connection Award: People & Planet Ocean
#19. 1st place: Zhang Xiang, Fujian, China
#20. 2nd place: Romeo Bodolai, Myanmar
#21. 3rd place: Yue Hongjun, Cebu, Philippines
Young Photographer of the Year
#22. 1st place: Jacob Guy, North Sulawesi, Indonesia
#23. 2nd place: Joao Pontes, Hawaii, USA
#24. 3rd place: Julian Jacobs, San Diego, California
Ocean Portfolio Award
#25. 1st place: Shane Gross, British Columbia, Canada
#26. 2nd place: Katherine Lu, Anilao, Philippines
#27. 3rd place: Filippo Borghi, Antarctica
Female Fifty Fathoms Award
#28. Winner: Ipah Uid Lynn, The Maldives
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