From Business Insider · Talia Lakritz · · 1m 10s
Ocean Photographer of the Year 2026 winners revealed
The annual Ocean Photographer of the Year awards showcase winning images from 15,000 submissions across wildlife, human connection, fine art and adventure categories.
In brief
The annual Ocean Photographer of the Year awards showcase winning images from 15,000 submissions across wildlife, human connection, fine art and adventure categories. The 2026 Ocean Photographer of the Year awards, presented by Oceanographic and Blancpain, revealed winning photographs from 15,000 submissions to raise…
Annual awards celebrate ocean photography
Oceanographic and Blancpain present the Ocean Photographer of the Year awards, highlighting photographs taken above and below water to raise awareness of ocean conservation.
Awards support marine ecosystem research
The competition aims to raise awareness of scientific research that helps preserve the ocean's delicate ecosystems through photography that documents marine life and environments.
Fifteen thousand entries submitted
The 2026 competition received 15,000 submissions from photographers competing across Wildlife, Human Connection, Fine Art, and Adventure categories for the annual awards.
Winners announced in September
The winning photographs of the 2026 Ocean Photographer of the Year competition were revealed in September, selected from entries across four main competition categories.
Female Fifty Fathoms Award created
The contest introduced the Female Fifty Fathoms Award to recognize the work of female ocean photographers, expanding recognition beyond the main competition categories.
The takeaway
The 2026 Ocean Photographer of the Year awards, presented by Oceanographic and Blancpain, revealed winning photographs from 15,000 submissions to raise awareness of ocean conservation.
