From tiny creatures measuring only three millimeters to humpback whales of incredible proportions, the animals and seascapes represented in this year’s Ocean Photographer of the Year explore the incredible diversity and fragility of our cherished saltwater ecosystems.
More than 15,000 images were submitted to the 2025 contest from around the globe. Penguins off the coast of Antarctica captured by Romain Barats are complemented by stunning coral reefs shot by divers like Kim Hyeon Min and Jenny Stock. The contest is co-organized by Oceanographic Magazine and Blancpain.
This year’s top prize goes to Yury Ivanov for his wonderful depiction of two tiny amphipods, which, despite their minuscule size, display beautiful colors and symmetry. “It required a lot of patience and precision to compose and light the shot properly,” Ivanov says. “The result reveals an intimate glimpse of underwater life that is often overlooked.”
Explore the winners’ gallery on the competition’s website.
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