Mobula rays are often referred to as “devil rays,” but unlike their relatives, stingrays, they lack a stinger, making them a bit less nefarious than their name implies. When rays gather together into a group, it’s known as a squadron, and for photographers Brittany Ilardi and Eduardo Acevedo, the phenomenon inspired award-winning photos in the 2024 Ocean Art Underwater Photo Contest presented by Underwater Photography Guide.
Now in its 13th year, the competition saw record-breaking participation with entries submitted from more than 90 countries. From macro views like Imogen Manin’s capture of a fish camouflaged in coral to stunning black-and-white scenes like Eduardo Labat’s best-in-show sighting of circling white-tip sharks, the winning images showcase the beauty, diversity, and vulnerability of underwater ecosystems.
Additional commended images include portraits of nudibranchs in the Philippines, a swimming octopus in Spain, and diving seabirds in Scotland’s northern isles. A category devoted to underwater conservation encourages us to think more carefully about what happens to single-use plastics when we’re finished with them or how discarded fishing equipment and ghost nets can harm wildlife. Other creative categories include digital, blackwater, behavior, and underwater fashion.
“The talent and vision displayed by our participants have set new benchmarks for underwater photography,” says contest organizer Nirupam Nigam, who is also president of Bluewater Photo and editor-in-chief of the Underwater Photography Guide. “These images do more than win awards; they captivate hearts and minds, reaching millions globally and reminding us of our shared responsibility to protect the ocean’s beauty.”
Dive into the online winners’ gallery, and keep an eye on the competition’s website for announcements about the open call for the 2025 edition.
