Ocean Photographer of the Year 2023: Winning Images Go on Display in Australia

Marine biologist Jialing Cai earned the 2023 grand title for her captivating shot of a paper nautilus — an unusual type of octopus — floating on a bit of debris after a volcanic eruption in the Philippines. It was taken on a blackwater dive, meaning during the night, using high-powered light sources that simulate the moon and attract sea life.

nicenews.com/environment/ocean

Second place went to Andrei Savin, who captured a striking photograph of a crab perched in the middle of a sea anemone, also in the Philippines.

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Conservation (Hope) Category Winner

"A manatee enjoys the crystal-clear waters of the Homosassa River." Florida

Photograph by Sylvie Ayer

Conservation (Hope) Category 2nd Place

"Two pale octopuses sit on a pipe that forms part of an artificial reef built to attract octopuses and other marine life to the area." Australia

Photograph by Jules Casey

Adventure Category Winner

"While surfing North Shore’s famous Banzai Pipeline, a rainbow appears." O’ahu, Hawaii

Photograph by Todd Glaser

Adventure Category 2nd Place

"A surfer braves a big swell, while the setting sun paints the sky red." Sydney, Australia

Photograph by Gergo Rugli

Fine Art Category Winner

"A whale shark and its entourage of remoras is attracted by the bright lights of fishermen." The Maldives

Photograph by Jade Hoksbergen

Fine Art Category Highly Commended

"A curious spider squat lobster checks out the photographer’s camera lens." The Philippines

Photograph by Yung Sen Wu

Young Photographer Category Winner

"A bodyboarder paddles out to sea, while big storm clouds block the sun and create an electric blue colour effect on the wave." Western Australia

Photograph by Jarvis Smallman,

Wildlife Category Winner

"A lizardfish’s open mouth reveals its last meal." The Philippines

Photograph by Jack Pokoj

Wildlife Category 2nd Place
(My Favorite)

"A gentoo penguin, the fastest penguin species in the world, charges across the water." Antarctica

Photograph by Craig Parry

@nursefrombirth
Gorgeous photos. Thanks for sharing these and redirecting my attention to a wonderful place.

@nursefrombirth
Having seen these beauties in the wild in this river, this one particular caught my interest. What a picture. 💜

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