The finalists of this year’s Ocean Photographer of the Year competition (previously) have really blown it out of the water. From hundreds of baby octopuses in the waters around Indonesia to remarkable humpback whales to a dramatic encounter with a Komodo dragon, photographers captured some of our planet’s most awe-inspiring creatures in their native habitats.
Photos are organized into seven categories with an emphasis on ocean conservation and the outsize influence humans have on marine life. The Hope category, for instance, focuses on healthy and burgeoning ecosystems, while the images in the Impact grouping provide an unfiltered look at the terrific effects of overfishing, waste, and pollution.
“In the midst of a deepening climate and biodiversity crisis on our blue planet, ocean photography has never been more important,” says Will Harrison, direction of OPY. These images are far more than just beautiful—they are powerful visual testaments to what we stand to lose, and they remind us of the urgent need for protection. Ocean Photographer of the Year continues to be a vital platform for sharing critical stories from above and below the waterline.”
Winners in each category and of the contest overall will be announced on September 18. See some more of our favorite images below, and explore the full finalists’ gallery on the competition’s website.
