The Ocean Photographer Awards 2025 has unveiled its remarkable finalists in the "Human Connection" category, featuring a collection of breathtaking images that capture the intimate relationship between people and marine environments worldwide. These stunning photographs document everything from traditional fishing practices to whale rescue efforts, highlighting humanity's deep bond with ocean ecosystems.
Among the standout entries is photographer Chaturapitamorn's captivating image from Vietnam's coastal waters, where Sargassum seagrass grows and regenerates naturally. The seagrass often extends above the water surface when fully mature, creating the impression of an underwater forest. Local fishermen work in traditional round basket boats, carefully handling their nets by hand. The translucent nets fan out in all directions, creating the striking illusion of a blooming sea flower. Throughout the entire process, harmony with nature remains crucial, as preserving the delicate balance of the surrounding ecosystem takes top priority.
Another compelling entry comes from photographer Arunrugstichai, who documented the Fuji 268, one of Taiwan's last fire fishing boats. The vessel ignites fireballs to startle sardines in the coastal waters of New Taipei. By 2023, it was the sole surviving boat representing this national cultural heritage of Taiwan. The crew worked tirelessly to preserve the tradition by collaborating with local guides and establishing their own educational program to offset costs and declining fish populations. Their efforts attracted more than 5,000 tourists in 2024 – double the previous year's numbers – generating enough demand to allow another fire fishing boat to resume operations under this growing business model.
The daily rhythm of coastal life is beautifully captured in another of Chaturapitamorn's images from Tam Tien beach. Every morning before sunrise, the beach comes alive as wooden boats anchor in groups offshore, forming a floating fleet. From there, fishermen skillfully navigate round basket boats through the waves, bringing barrels of freshly caught fish and seafood to shore. On the beach, fishermen's families and wholesalers wait eagerly to sort and purchase the catch. The fish and seafood are quickly loaded into baskets and transported to markets throughout the province. This daily ritual reflects the deep connection between sea and coastal life.
Photographer Herrero contributed a powerful image of responsible whale watching in French Polynesia, showing a guide observing humpback whales while maintaining respectful and thoughtful distance. Herrero explains that they rarely photograph people with wildlife, preferring to capture animals in their natural environment with minimal intervention. They believe responsible imagery and behavior are crucial for preserving wildlife integrity, sharing this photo to promote a message of respect and responsible observation.
Traditional fishing methods are showcased in Holba's underwater photograph from Indonesia's Alor region, featuring a hand-woven bamboo basket called "Bubu" sinking into the depths. Local people use this traditional fishing method as an efficient way to catch fish. The basket remains underwater for a while, and fish can enter through a funnel-shaped opening but cannot escape. After several days, when sea conditions permit, locals free-dive – without fins and equipped only with handmade wooden goggles – to retrieve their Bubu and collect the catch.
The collection also includes Li's evocative winter scene from the fishing village of Reine, where snow-covered mountains and islands frame the settlement in the Nordic winter. Crimson-red huts break through the cold blue expanse like beacons of warmth, while gentle waves lap against rocky shores. The image captures the quiet romance of the Arctic – a harmony of solitude and the rhythm of the sea.
Dramatic wildlife encounters are represented in Ling's photograph from Puget Sound, where on April 1, 2024, more than 20 Biggs orcas moved together into the sound. At Point No Point, a friend stood on the beach observing the passing groups when T099C "Barakat" – a male orca – suddenly began repeatedly breaching near shore. In one moment, he jumped just a few meters from the observer. Although the lens was too long for such close proximity, Ling was positioned on the water and captured the perfect shot. This image perfectly reflects the connection between wild orcas and land-based whale watchers in Puget Sound.
Environmental challenges are powerfully illustrated in Mitchell's photograph from Papua, highlighting the global coral bleaching crisis. During 2024-25, 84% of coral reefs worldwide were affected by massive coral bleaching. Even areas once considered climate refuges, like Raja Ampat, were impacted for the first time. Elevated water temperatures and nutrient imbalances pushed entire reefs beyond the tipping point. However, some areas proved resilient, like the finely tuned balance of the mangrove system shown. For communities in Papua, these reefs are part of their cultural identity while providing vital food and income. Global greed and inaction are destroying one of the planet's largest ecosystems, casting deep uncertainty over the future of those dependent on coral reefs.
The awards also recognize community conservation efforts, as shown in Parry's documentation of a humpback whale rescue attempt. In the early morning hours of July 1st, they received a call about a stranded humpback whale. Wildlife veterinarian Steve Van Mill quickly assessed the situation and contacted SeaWorld Marine Rescue and other key organizations to launch a coordinated rescue operation. For 15 hours, rescue teams and the local community worked tirelessly in a joint effort to save her. Unfortunately, despite all dedication, she could not be rescued. While the outcome was tragic, it was moving to witness the collaboration and compassion shown by numerous organizations and volunteers – a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when people come together with a common goal.
The collection concludes with images celebrating sustainable fishing practices, including Subramaniam's remarkable encounter with gray whales in Baja California, Mexico. The behavior of gray whales in their mating and calving lagoons is unique worldwide, as they are remarkably curious and actively approach small fishing boats to see what's happening. This image was taken on an incredible morning when over 20 whales surrounded their boat. The four visible whales were the initiators – afterward, all the others wanted to be part of the encounter as well. To this day, this remains the most incredible animal encounter the photographer has ever experienced.
These finalist images in the Human Connection category demonstrate the profound and varied ways humans interact with marine environments, from traditional fishing practices that have sustained communities for generations to modern conservation efforts protecting marine wildlife for future generations.
