From measuring only three millimeters of tiny organisms to incredible proportions of humpback whales, the animals and seascapes represented by this year’s Marine Photographer of the Year explore the incredible diversity and vulnerability of our cherished saltwater ecosystem.
The 2025 competition from around the world submitted over 15,000 images. The penguins on the Antarctic coast captured by Romain Barats were given amazing coral reefs shot by divers like Kim Hyeon Min and Jenny Stock. The competition is made by Journal of Oceanography and Blancpain.
Kim Hyeon Min. Countless teenage fish whirl around the dome-shaped coral in Indonesia
The highest award this year was awarded to Yury Ivanov for his wonderful portrayal of two tiny amphibians, who, despite their small size, have little color and symmetry. “It takes a lot of patience and precision to properly frame and illuminate the shot,” Ivanov said. “The results reveal an intimate glimpse of the often overlooked underwater life.”
Explore the winners gallery on the contest website.
Romain Barats. Gentoo Penguin resembles rocket darts through water, AntarcticaRichard Smith. Dwarf seahorse hidden in American green algaejialing cai. The teenager’s wunderpus octopus is almost ethereal, and the octopus is surrounded by various small zooplankton, such as larval shrimp, crabs and wormsGiancarlo Mazarese. Between the two oceans squirts, a Gobby’s cradle’s egg. Bali, IndonesiaBrooke Pyke. Mating ceremony between three tan nurse sharks. Baa Atoll, MaldivesJenny Stocks. Healthy Reefs in Raja Ampat, IndonesiaClaudio Moreno Madrid. Entangled humpback whale in Ningaloo Reef, AustraliaNatnattcha Chaturapitamorn. Morning ceremony at Tam Beach reflects the deep connection between Vietnamese Sea and coastal livelihoodsAlvaro Herrero. The Statue of Liberty is accompanied by two humpback whales, maintaining a respectful distance, French PolynesiaShi Xioawen. Laver tilling poles intertwined with fishermen working in China
