Dive Into 30 Captivating Finalists From The 2024 Ocean Photographer Of The Year

Saltee Islands, Ireland

A puffin carries fish to feed its chicks. “The dark backdrop of the shadowed cliffs highlights the puffin's vibrant, colorful beak and the shimmering silver of the captured fish,” explains Llobera. “The Saltee Islands are a paradise for these captivating birds and provide a safe haven for nesting and feeding. Being there, so close to the puffins, was a long-awaited and beautiful experience. Sitting on the ground with my camera, surrounded by puffins among the cliffs, was incredible. Despite spending over ten hours under the sun, rain, and wind, every moment was worth it.”

Antarctica

“In the frigid waters of the Southern Ocean, just off the coast of Antarctica, I had the opportunity to capture a breathtaking encounter with one of the region's most formidable predators - the leopard seal,” says Borgi. “As an avid underwater photographer, I had long dreamed of documenting the elusive and powerful movements of this enigmatic marine mammal. As I submerged beneath the surface, the striking form of the seal came into view, its sleek, spotted coat and powerful jaws seemingly suspended in the crystalline waters. I held my breath, my heart racing with a mixture of awe and trepidation, as the seal approached, while its dark eyes were fixed on mine.”

Fujian, China

After fishing for three days, fishermen in coastal Fujian dry their nets for two days in the sun. "As most of the nets are woven with hemp fibers, they swell easily after being immersed in water and the hemp fibers may rot if not dried in time," says Xiang. "Drying the nets in the sun also repairs them and prolongs their life which is important as fishing boats and nets are the most valuable belongings of local fishermen."

Cebu, Philippines

“This is the second time in two years that I have come to Moalboal to photograph the interaction between a sardine school and a model,” explains Hongjun. “Dada-Li, who is training to be a freediver here, wore her own customized fishtail, and after trying to get the perfect shot for several days, I finally caught this wonderful moment on a sunny morning. It embodies the idea that humans and marine life can exist in harmony.”

South Africa

A curious octopus looks out from its hiding place. “I've always been fascinated by octopuses. They’re some of the most intelligent and unique creatures underwater,” says Jonker. “This little common octopus was so well camouflaged among the hydroids that I almost missed it. It would peek out and then hide, lifting its head cautiously. I spent about 15 minutes watching it, noticing its curiosity and caution. Gradually, it became braver, spending more time observing me and my camera. Eventually, it allowed me to capture its photo before slipping away beneath her rock. Moments like these are humbling, reminding us we are visitors in their environment, yet they are willing to share a connection.”

Devon, England

A moon jellyfish just beneath the surface, framed by a visual phenomenon known as Snell's window through which we see the sky and clouds above. “To me, it’s a creative composition using natural elements which looks like an extraterrestrial creature entering the Earth’s orbit,” says Spiers. “Perhaps, it can also be a reminder that for all our efforts to explore Space, there remain a great many mysteries to unravel on our home planet, especially in the ocean.”

Jakarta, Indonesia

Juvenile common clownfish in a hatchery. "The ocellaris or common clownfish population off the Jakarta coastline has decreased significantly and is feared to be extinct," explains d'Orlando. "The populations are declining as a result of overfishing and the ornamental fish trade which depends on wild captures. To counteract this movement, the government has created a hatchery in 2018 to revive the clownfish population in the wild."

Myanmar

A fisherman uses a traditional fishing technique in Myanmar, a country with a rich cultural and historical background. “A diverse range of Indigenous cultures exist here,” explains Bodolai. “Burmese cuisine is characterized by extensive use of fish products. Freshwater fish and shrimp have been incorporated into inland cooking as a primary source of protein. The fisheries sector in Myanmar provides employment to 3.2 million people. For the shot, I had a nice, warm backlight that day. I was shooting from a cave, which gives a unique frame to the scene.”

Svalbard, Norway

A group of walruses are resting on a beach, surrounded by snow-capped mountains. “I was on expedition in the Arctic for about a month and walruses were some of the marine mammals I was interested in,” remembers Haluwana. “I positioned myself within the allowed distance with my camera, waiting for an opportune photographic moment. Animals sense your presence whether you’re aware they do or not. In this moment, that’s exactly what happened. One walrus sat up looking towards me. Funnily enough, I had recently chipped my front tooth, as had this particular walrus. Maybe it sensed we were kin?”

Seychelles

A green sea turtle is released by a researcher after being caught while trying to catch sharks. “Acting quickly, the researchers untangled the turtle, took measurements, and tagged it before releasing her back where she was caught,” remembers Gross. “She is now an ambassador for her species.”