These striking photos display the extraordinary beauty concealed within the depths of the Earth's oceans, seas, and lakes. They were recognized at the Ocean Photographer of the Year 2023 awards, an annual contest whose purpose is to "shine a light on the beauty of the ocean and the threats it faces."
Thousands of drone, submarine, and coastal photographs were submitted to the contest by the world's best ocean photographers. Jialing Cai, a marine biologist, and amateur photographer, has been named the 2023 Ocean Photographer of the Year for her breathtaking image of a paper nautilus floating on a piece of debris shortly after a volcano eruption in the Philippines.
Related: The Creatures of the Ocean are Every Photographers Dream
Equally noteworthy are the other winners in the annual competition, organized by Oceanographic Magazine. Among them, you'll find a poignant image of a young polar bear clinging desperately to melting ice and an endearing moment where two friendly manatees engage with a photographer. These photographs collectively provide a breathtaking portrayal of the ocean's abundant wonders. Check out the breathtaking winning shots in the gallery below.
1. Jialing Cai, Overall Winner Ocean Photographer of the Year.
Image source: Ocean Photographer of the Year
A Paper Nautilus wanders on a piece of ocean debris at night, surrounded by sediment. Photo: Philippines
2. Florian Ledoux, Ocean Conservation Photographer of the Year (Impact).
A polar bear cub faces the dangers of melting ice. Location: Svalbard, Norway
3. Andrei Savin, Runner Up Ocean Photographer of the Year.
A crab sits in the center of a sea anemone as it sways in ocean current. Location: Philippines
4. Merche Llobera, Female Fifty Fathoms.
Two manatees pose for the photographer. Location: Florida
5. Nicholas Holton. 3rd Place Ocean Wildlife Photographer of the Year.
After emerging from the depths of the Pacific Ocean, a humpback whale lands gracefully on its back. Location: Australia.
6. Sirachai Arunrugstichai, Ocean Portfolio Award.
A young grey reef shark is caught by an angler at Burma Bank, an offshore plateau in the Andaman Sea, at night. Location: Myanmar
7. Todd Glaser, Adventure Ocean Photographer of the Year.
An amazing rainbow appears while surfing North Shore's Banzai Pipeline. Location: O’ahu, Hawaii
8. Jarvis Smallman, Young Ocean Photographer of the Year.
A bodyboarder paddles out to sea while storm clouds obscure the sun, creating an electric blue color effect on the wave. Location: Western Australia
9. Sylvie Ayer, Ocean Conservation Photographer of the Year (Hope).
A manatee swims in the clear waters of the Homosassa River. Location: Florida
10. Jack Pokoj, Ocean Wildlife Photographer of the Year.
The gaping mouth of a lizardfish shows its last meal. Location: The Philippines
11. Jade Hoksbergen, Ocean Fine Art Photographer of the Year
The brilliant lights of fisherman attract a whale shark and its entourage of remoras. Location: The Maldives
12. Jingyi Wang, The Human Connection Award: People and Planet Ocean.
13. Craig Parry. Runner Up Ocean Wildlife Photographer of the Year.
A gentoo penguin, the world's fastest penguin, races over the water. Location: Antarctica
14. Jeroen Hoekendijk, 3rd Place The Human Connection Award: People and Planet Ocean.
A horse rider meets one of the victims of a whale stranding on a windy, dreary morning. Location: The Netherlands
15. Jules Casey, Runner Up Ocean Conservation Photographer of the Year (Hope).
Two pale octopuses rest on a pipe, which is part of an artificial reef designed to lure octopuses and other marine species to the area. Location: Australia
16. Gergo Rugli, Runner Up, Ocean Adventure Photographer of the Year.
A surfer braves a large swell as the dying sun colors the sky red. Location: Sydney, Australia
