The Ocean Photographer of the Year 2025 competition has revealed its impressive lineup of finalist images, featuring breathtaking underwater scenes, marine wildlife encounters, and compelling stories of human interaction with ocean environments. The diverse collection of photographs captures everything from traditional fishing practices to dramatic surfing moments and rare marine species behavior.
Several finalists highlight the deep connection between humans and ocean life. Sirachai Arunrugstichai documented Fuji 268, one of Taiwan's last remaining fire-fishing boats, as it illuminated flames to attract sardines in the coastal waters of New Taipei. This traditional fishing method represents Taiwan's national cultural heritage, and in 2023, Fuji 268 stood as the sole survivor of this ancient practice. The crew now works with local tour operators and has developed educational programs to help cover operating costs while dealing with declining fish populations.
At Tam Tien beach, photographer Natnattcha Chaturapitamorn captured the bustling pre-dawn activity as wooden fishing boats anchor offshore to form floating fleets. Teams of fishermen navigate through waves in round basket boats, transporting barrels of fresh seafood to shore where families and wholesale traders eagerly wait to sort and purchase the daily catch.
The competition's wildlife category showcased remarkable marine animal behavior and rare species encounters. Alexis Chappuis documented thousands of skeleton shrimps that had completely colonized a Gorgonian coral in North Sulawesi, Indonesia. These creatures, which are actually amphipods of the genus Caprella rather than true shrimps, typically feed on plankton without harming their host. However, their overwhelming numbers in this case may have caused the Gorgonian's polyps to retract.
Matthew Watkinson captured the intense moment when a greater black-backed gull aggressively attacked a puffin returning with fish to feed its chicks. The photographer noted the fierce determination of the gull's assault, describing how such predatory birds regularly cruise around nesting sites to harass and rob puffins of their catch.
Arturo de Frias photographed a marine iguana on Santa Cruz Island in the Galapagos, capturing the exact moment the reptile sneezed out excess salt absorbed during its foraging dive. These endemic creatures, which he described as resembling miniature dragons, naturally expel salt through sneezing as normal behavior rather than a sign of discomfort.
The adventure category featured dramatic human encounters with marine environments and wildlife. Romain Barats documented his first experience swimming with sperm whales, capturing a fellow diver surrounded by 15 socializing whales during a 45-minute encounter in rough seas. Despite challenging conditions, the photographer managed to create a stunning image of his diving companion among the massive marine mammals.
Daan Verhoeven created a striking composition in a Mexican cenote, photographing free diver Surya Lecona Moctezuma diving between dramatic light beams. The photographer deliberately positioned himself directly above to capture the contrast between light and dark areas while showcasing the linear geometry within the natural underwater cave setting.
Ben Thouard braved difficult conditions at Nazaré to photograph surfers Justine Dupont and Eric Rebiere during a challenging day when northerly winds made surfing particularly tricky. Shooting from an unusual beach perspective rather than the typical cliff view, the photographer battled large wave sets and salt spray to capture the dramatic moment.
The fine art category demonstrated technical excellence and artistic vision. Luis Arpa used slow shutter speeds, snooted lighting, and deliberate camera panning to create a dynamic image of a juvenile pinnate batfish in Indonesia's Lembeh Strait. The juvenile's striking black body outlined in vibrant orange represents coloration that disappears within months as the fish matures.
Hitomi Tsuchiya captured an underwater aurora phenomenon near Mount Iwo on Satsuma-Iojima Island, where volcanic activity spews iron-rich substances from both above ground and the ocean floor, creating spectacular colors. The photographer hopes this image will inspire people to consider connections between global warming and marine conservation.
Scott Portelli photographed a Weddell seal in Antarctica, showcasing how these remarkable mammals survive in Earth's harshest environment. With thick fur and blubber layers serving as both food reserves and insulation, these seals can survive temperatures as low as minus 60 degrees Celsius.
Several images addressed conservation concerns and environmental impact. Claudio Moreno Madrid documented one of the most profound moments of his life when he encountered a humpback whale hopelessly entangled in fishing nets while being pursued by dozens of sharks near Ningaloo Reef in Exmouth. Unable to help the distressed whale, the photographer documented the tragic situation, hoping to transform the tragedy into awareness that might inspire real change for ocean conservation.
Conversely, Solvin Zankl captured a hopeful moment on the Caribbean island of Bonaire, where a female brittle star positioned itself on coral tips to release eggs during the synchronized breeding process triggered by lunar cycles. This natural reproduction cycle ensures fertilization by male sperm in open water, continuing the species' generational cycle.
The competition also featured unique behavioral documentation, such as Kat Zhou's photograph of an opportunistic pelican stealing fish from strand-feeding dolphins in South Carolina. This rare feeding behavior is performed by only a few members of one dolphin pod among the approximately 350 dolphins that call South Carolina home.
Andray Shpatak captured an extremely rare sighting after more than 40 years of diving in Rudnaya Bay area - a pea crab searching for a new home. These crustaceans typically spend their entire lives inside gray mussel shells in a symbiotic relationship that ends only when either the mussel or crab dies.
Marcia Riederer documented dwarf minke whales visiting the northern Great Barrier Reef during winter, representing the only known predictable aggregation of these whales worldwide. These curious giants approach swimmers with playful curiosity, creating moments of connection as they circle and interact with humans in the turquoise waters.
The full collection of finalist images is available through Oceanographic Magazine's complete gallery, with winners scheduled to be announced in September. The competition continues to highlight both the beauty and fragility of ocean environments while showcasing the artistic and technical skills of marine photographers worldwide.
