The 2026 Ocean Photographer of the Year awards have spotlighted the ocean's most striking moments, from intimate wildlife scenes to powerful human-ocean connections. The top honor went to Julien Anton for a black-and-white image of a seahorse with two miniature juveniles, a frame that captures the elegance and scale of marine life in a single glance.
British photographer Jenny Stock received the Female Fifty Fathoms Award for work that expands the visibility of women in ocean photography. The competition also recognized a wide range of categories, including wildlife, adventure, and human connection, reflecting how ocean storytelling can blend science, art, and environmental awareness.
Among the standout images were sea lion pups exploring shallow pools in the Falkland Islands, dolphins moving alongside surfers in Sydney, and volunteers in Cape Verde working together to support stranded pilot whales. Other finalists revealed the hidden texture of marine ecosystems, from brittle stars covering a Scottish seabed to fish-farming communities stretching across coastal waters in China.
Presented by Oceanographic magazine and Blancpain, the annual contest continues to elevate ocean photography as both visual art and a record of changing marine environments. By turning attention toward fragile habitats and remarkable species, the awards help connect audiences with the wider ocean story. This growing visual archive may shape how future generations see, study, and protect the sea.
