Overall Winner, A Bryde’s whale takes a bite, Baja California Sur, Mexico

With this jaw-dropping image (pun intended) of a rare Bryde’s whale about to consume a heart-shaped baitball, photographer Rafael Fernández Caballero has been named the Ocean Photographer of the Year 2024.

The winning photo was chosen from more than 15,000 entries showcasing the ocean’s wonders, that were submitted by thousands of underwater photographers across all disciplines, including surf and drone.

“The image captures perhaps the most special – and craziest – moment of my life,” says Caballero. “A feeding frenzy is the biggest show on earth for me. The smallest animals on earth, plankton, attract baitballs of sardines and, in turn, giant whales show up along with huge numbers of beautifully coloured dorados and large groups of sea lions. The highlight was this whale coming out of nowhere with its mouth wide open.”

The overall winner, as well as the winners of all nine categories, reveal the wonders of the ocean and the many plights it faces.

The Ocean Photographer of the Year, presented by Oceanographic Magazine and the watchmaking company Blancpain, has for its mission to shine a light on the wonder and fragility of our blue planet, and to celebrate the photographers giving it a voice.

"Photography is a powerful ally in ocean exploration and conservation,” says Marc A. Hayek, President and CEO of Blancpain. “We applaud the Ocean Photographer of the Year winners not only for their art, but for their help in educating a wider public on the marvels found in the seas."

The first Ocean Photographer of the Year 2024 exhibition will open at the Australian National Maritime Museum, Sydney, on November 28, followed by several additional venues in early 2025.

See all the winners here.

Second Place, Northern gannet catch its prey, Isle of Noss, Shetland Islands

A northern gannet dives into the water to catch its prey. With a 180-centimeter wingspan, it’s one of the largest seabirds in British waters.

Northern gannets have a number of adaptations that make them a true ‘ocean bird’. These enable them to dive from heights of 30 meters, hitting the water at speeds of up to 60 miles per hour.

“Here I am in Shetland, an isle off Scotland in the U.K., and closely are the dramatic rock cliffs the Northern Gannets use as nesting grounds,” says Hoksbergen. “I dip my head under the incredibly chilly water, pretending I am back in prehistory, unprepared for the marvel that would unfold: The stillness is shattered by a gannet piercing through like a torpedo from the sky. Its precision is unfathomable and before I know it, it had its meal between its beak.”

Third place, A fishing boat in Vietnam, Hon Yen, Vietnam

A fishing boat off Hon Yen as its long trail of smoke perfectly aligns with the shape of the green nets under the surface.

“While photographing the shallow coral reefs along the coastline of Hon Yen, Phu Yen province in Vietnam, I noticed smoke coming up from a local fishing boat operating not far from the coast,” says Nguyen Ngoc. “I decided to fly my drone to take a look.”

Many local fishing families along this coastline follow the near-shore currents to catch anchovies during peak season. Salted anchovy is the most important raw material to create traditional fish sauce - the spirit of Vietnamese cuisine.

Winner Fine Art category, Great mobula aggregations, Espiritu Santo Island, Baja California Sur, Mexico

Born during the great mobula aggregations of spring, Juvenile Munk's devil rays remain in the Sea of Cortez long after their parents have left, using the shallow bays of Espiritu Santo as a nursery.

“By autumn, the water is clear, a bonus for underwater photography but also signifying less food for the filter-feeding rays,” Spiers explains. “Hanging a green light from the back of our boat, plankton gather around it and the mobula rays gratefully swoop in for a microscopic buffet.”

Second Place Fine Art category, Shark’s eye. Tahiti, French Polynesia

Anton snared a compelling close-up shot of a nurse shark’s eye:“The shark was resting under some coral when I approached,” he says. “Seeing that it wasn't bothered by my presence, I tried for a less common photographic point of view and loved the eye contact and the graphic aspect of its skin.”

Finalist Fine Art category, Peacock mantis shrimp, Bali, Indonesia

A peacock mantis shrimp virtually hypnotizes the observer in a stunning display of vibrant blue, green and orange hues against a dark background. “Its prominent, bulging eyes, known for their extraordinary vision, give it an alien-like look,” says Dharma.

Finalist Fine Arts category, A puffin carries fish to feed its chicks, Saltee Islands, Ireland

A puffin carries fish to feed its chicks, “The dark backdrop of the shadowed cliffs highlights the puffin's vibrant, colorful beak and the shimmering silver of the captured fish,” explains Llobera. “The Saltee Islands are a paradise for these captivating birds and provide a safe haven for nesting and feeding.”

1st place Wildlife category, A triumphant mahi-mahi,Baja California Sur, Mexico

A triumphant mahi-mahi, or common dolphinfish, proudly displays its catch amidst a feeding frenzy. “Its vibrant yellow and green hues shimmer brilliantly under the refracted sunlight against the stunning blue of the Pacific Ocean,” says Castellanos Raboso. “The baitball was semi-static as the fish moved like torpedoes in front of us.”

Finalist Wildlife category, A curious octopus, South Africa

A curious octopus looks out from its hiding place. “I've always been fascinated by octopuses,” says Jonker. “They’re some of the most intelligent and unique creatures underwater. This little common octopus was so well camouflaged among the hydroids that I almost missed it. It would peek out and then hide, lifting its head cautiously. Gradually, it became braver, spending more time observing me and my camera. Eventually, it allowed me to capture its photo before slipping away beneath a rock.

Moments like these are humbling, reminding us we are visitors in their environment, yet they are willing to share a connection.”

1st place Female Fifty Fathoms Award, Whale shark, The Maldives

A whale shark surrounded by a swirling school of fish. "I shot this image during sunrise in shallow water,” explains Uid Lynn.

Winner Female Fifty Fathoms Award, Romblon Island, Philippines

A tiny goby perched on a delicate sea whip blends seamlessly into its vibrant surroundings.

Winner Female Fifty Fathoms Award, A large school of batfish, Koh Tao, Thailand

A large school of fish swim in unison, moving gracefully through the deep blue water. “The image embodies the tranquillity and grandeur of the underwater world, showcasing the harmony between the diver and the marine life around them,” says Uid Lynn.

1st place Young Photographer of the Year, The elusive algae octopus, North Sulawesi, Indonesia

The algae octopus is an elusive creature. “Normally coming out to hunt at dusk, with incredible camouflage, these creatures blend seamlessly into the reef - until they are viewed under a different light,” says Guy. “These octopuses are one of the only cephalopods that actually fluoresce under ultraviolet light.”

1st place Ocean Portfolio Award, Pink salmon migrating, Vancouver Island, Canada

A male and female pink salmon spawn as their last act before perishing and feeding the forest in Campbell River, British Columbia.

3rd place Ocean Portfolio Award, A fever of mobula rays, Baja California Sur, Mexico

A fever of mobula rays in the waters off Cabo San Lucas in Baja California Sur, Mexico. “I had the opportunity to dive into the azure waters, where I was greeted by a mesmerizing sight – a massive fever of these gentle animals glided effortlessly through the ocean currents,” says Borghi.

1st place Conservation (Hope) category, Green sea turtle released, Seychelles

A green sea turtle is released by a researcher after being unintentionally caught while trying to catch sharks. “Acting quickly, the researchers untangled the turtle, took measurements, and tagged it before releasing her back where she was caught,” Gross recalls.

1st place Conservation (Impact) category, Fin whale, and the butchers, Iceland

The second-largest whale, the fin whale, waits for its turn to be butchered at a whaling plant in Iceland before being sent to Japan.

“Shortly after taking this image, the whale was hoisted up the ramp,” says photographer Brogaard. “The picture might induce a feeling of hopelessness, but public uproar throughout the last two years has resulted in the cancellation of last year's whaling season in Iceland. Unfortunately, a whaling quota was again issued this year. I hope this picture raises awareness and serves as inspiration to keep the public pressure on. These whales are crucial in our fight against climate change, sequestering tons of CO2 in their lifetime, and are worth more to us alive than dead.”

1st place Human Connection Award: People & Planet Ocean, Fujian, China

A traditional Chinese fisherman makes his way across the beach as the sunset’s golden haze is reflected in the sand and water.