Ocean Photographer of the Year 2026 Finalists Announced

Finalists for the Ocean Photographer of the Year 2026 have been revealed, showcasing a variety of underwater photography that emphasizes the oceans' beauty and vulnerability. Organized by Oceanographic and Blancpain, the competition attracted thousands of submissions. Notable entries feature Hawaiian green sea turtles in Maui, orcas alongside a humpback whale calf, and a scorpionfish preying on a lizardfish. A new category, Ocean Unseen: Hidden Worlds, presents detailed images of invertebrates. Categories such as Human Connection and Adventure include a freediver with a sunfish near Mexico and dolphins interacting with surfers in Sydney. The Conservation Impact category highlights concerns like pollution and overfishing, showcasing a sea lion entangled in plastic and a whale shark with divers. Winners will be unveiled in September.