From the Depths of Our Blue Planet, These Photographers Showcase the Fragility and Beauty of the Ocean

Ocean photographer of the year 2024 winner, Rafael Fernández Caballero. Photo: Ocean Photographer of the Year/Rafael Fernández Caballero

Caballero expressed his deep joy and gratitude for the opportunity to witness and capture such a remarkable moment. The win also marked a significant milestone in his career. “This is a dream come true. Spectacular. Being a part of the best compilation of ocean photography this year — and receiving the top recognition — drives me to keep believing in what I do and to continue showcasing the ocean’s wonders,” says Caballero.

Jade Hoksbergen took second place for her photo of a northern gannet diving into the water to catch its prey in the Shetland Islands, Scotland. Photo: Ocean Photographer of the Year/Jade Hoksbergen

Presented by Oceanographic Magazine and Blancpain, the 2024 competition featured a diverse range of captivating images, from dramatic wildlife encounters to poignant reminders of our impact on the marine environment. A baitball being devoured from above and below, eels slithering over rocks at low tide, and a mahi mahi caught with a mouthful of prey were just a few examples of the stunning wildlife showcased in the contest.

Overall third place went to Thien Nguyen Ngoc for their shot of a fishing boat off Hon Yen, Vietnam. Photo: Ocean Photographer of the Year/Thien Nguyen Ngoc

Beyond the awe-inspiring beauty, the photographs highlighted the complex relationship between humans and the ocean. Images of boat crews hauling massive nets, conservationists tending to coral nurseries, and freedivers exploring the depths of blue holes depicted our connection to the marine world.

Conservation and hope winner, Shane Gross. A green sea turtle is released by a researcher after being caught while trying to catch sharks. Photo: Ocean Photographer of the Year/Shane Gross

Conservation and impact winner, Frederik Brogaard. The second biggest whale, the fin whale, lies waiting for its turn to be butchered at a whaling plant in Iceland before getting sent to Japan. Photo: Ocean Photographer of the Year/Frederik Brogaard

Adventure winner, Tobias Friedrich. A scuba diver is dwarfed by a shipwreck in the Bahamas. Photo: Ocean Photographer of the Year/Tobias Friedrich

The contest also serves as a reminder of the challenges facing our oceans. Photographs of an octopus sheltering in a plastic bag, a fin whale being hauled ashore for butchering, and a gannet accidentally hanged by its unnatural nest highlighted the devastating consequences of human activities on marine ecosystems.

Wildlife winner, Manuel Castellanos Raboso. A triumphant mahi-mahi or common dolphinfish proudly displays its catch amidst a feeding frenzy in Baja California Sur. Photo: Ocean Photographer of the Year/Manuel Castellanos Raboso

Fine art winner, Henley Spiers. Juvenile Munks devil rays are attracted by a green light, seemingly flying through the water in Baja California Sur, Mexico. Photo: Ocean Photographer of the Year/Henley Spiers

Human connection winner, Zhang Xiang. A beach reflects the golden haze of the sunset, while a traditional fisherman wades through the water in China. Photo: Ocean Photographer of the Year/Zhang Xiang

“Photography is a powerful ally in ocean exploration and conservation,” says Marc A. Hayek, president and CEO of Blancpain. “We applaud the Ocean Photographer of the Year winners not only for their art but for their help in educating a wider public on the marvels found in the seas.”

Jacob Guy wins the young photographer division for this beautiful image of an algae octopus in North Sulawesi, Indonesia. Photo: Ocean Photographer of the Year/Jacob Guy

If you’d like to view the photographs in person, the 2024 Ocean Photographer of the Year exhibition will make its debut at the Australian National Maritime Museum in Sydney on November 28, followed by additional venues in early 2025.