The 2023 Underwater Photographer of the Year competition delves into the stunning and moving lives of aquatic creatures.

Dedicated to highlighting the most vibrant and inspiring aquatic organisms, the competition Underwater Photographer of the Year This year's competition focuses on the mammals, fish, and plants that inhabit the world's oceans and seas. The 2023 competition received over 6,000 entries from photographers in 72 countries, many of whom document the stunning scenes of life below the surface: stingrays gliding across the undulating sands of the Cayman Islands, an elephant dipping its trunk into the waters off the coast of Thailand, and an orca gracefully diving into a school of fish near Norway.

While some photos highlight life in its most energetic and vibrant form, others focus on the devastating impacts of pollution and the broader climate crisis. One image shows a humpback whale starving to death because its tail was trapped and broken by buoys and ropes. “Taking this photograph was the saddest moment I’ve ever experienced in the ocean,” said photographer Alvaro Herrero Lopez-Beltran. “Especially because I’ve spent so much time with humpback whales underwater, experiencing eye contact, interactions, and seeing how intelligent and sentient whales are. The photo is a reflection of how our oceans are suffering, a product of human selfishness and irresponsibility.”

See some of the winning photos below and find the complete collection at [website address]. contest website .

 

 

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