The prestigious Ocean Photographer of the Year contest has once again showcased the breathtaking beauty and fragility of our planet’s oceans. This year’s winner, Rafael Fernández Caballero, impressed with his stunning image of a Bryde’s whale feeding on a baitball. The photograph, selected from over 15,000 submissions, offers a glimpse into the extraordinary underwater world.
From the Depths of Our Blue Planet, These Photographers Showcase the Fragility and Beauty of the Ocean
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.
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.
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.
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.
“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.”
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.