The finalists for the Ocean Photographer of the Year 2026 have been announced, highlighting the remarkable diversity and unexpected moments of life beneath the waves. Thousands of submissions from photographers worldwide have been narrowed down to a select group of images that capture the essence of the marine world.
Among the standout images is a depiction of two orcas collaborating to hunt a humpback whale calf, showcasing coordinated predatory behavior. Another finalist photo illustrates the stark reality of the food chain, with a scorpionfish in the process of consuming a lizardfish. The competition also features an intimate portrayal of octopus courtship, with a male extending its specialized mating arm towards a female.
Will Harrison, founder and director of Ocean Photographer of the Year, emphasized the significance of these photographs. "These photographs don't just capture what's beneath the surface; they surface the stories our planet most needs us to hear," Harrison stated. He added, "As the pressures on our ocean grow, so does the importance of the artists who bear witness to them. This year's finalists have produced work of extraordinary depth and courage, and we're proud that Ocean Photographer of the Year continues to be the platform where those stories reach the world."
The selected images span a range of marine environments and species. One photograph captures a New Zealand fur seal preying on a rough skate, with seabirds attending to gather scraps. Another image shows a male cardinalfish releasing the young he has brooded inside his mouth. In the Arabian Gulf, a male blue crab is seen protecting a female during mating. The Falkland Islands are represented by an image of southern elephant seal pups exploring rock pools.
Further highlights include "Arms of Connection," a photo of two octopuses courting on a coral reef in Australia's Great Barrier Reef. A cluster of 11 gunnels gathered in Seattle's waters is also featured, as is a bottlenose dolphin with a small fish in Indonesia. The underwater balance of life is further depicted by a scorpionfish hunting a lizardfish.
Additional images showcase a juvenile weedy seadragon in Australian seagrass and an adult seahorse with its newly born offspring in French Polynesia. The dramatic aftermath of an orca hunt in Mexican waters is also among the finalists.
Category winners, including the overall Ocean Photographer of the Year 2026, are scheduled to be announced in September.