The winners of the 2024 United Nations World Oceans Day Photo Competition have been announced. This annual contest brings together photographers and artists from around the world to showcase the beauty and importance of the ocean. As we read on the organizers’website: “This open and free photo competition seeks to inspire the creation of imagery capturing the beauty, the challenges and the importance of the ocean and humankind’s relation to it, hoping to contribute to actions to preserve this vital resource.”

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Underwater Seascapes, 3rd Place: Vanessa Mignon (Australia)

We asked Mignon to tell us more about the moment she captured in her photograph. We learned that: “I have always enjoyed observing behaviour, and that’s why I went to Baja California; I was hoping to witness the majestic aggregation of mobula rays. We were lucky to see several groups but always in murky waters. One day we decided to head out at sea and look for them in deeper, bluer waters. We were lucky to encounter that group. I remember feeling mesmerized as I watched them move. It looked like a synchronised, hypnotic dance.”

Above Water Seascapes, 2nd Place: Emmett Sparling (Canada)

Awaken New Depths, 3rd Place: Sina Ritter (Germany)

The photographer shared with us more about her approach to ethical considerations of underwater photography: “I feel that each of us is likely to have some sort of negative impact on the environment, regardless of how careful and respectful you are. I mean, travelling there, for example, is associated with carbon emissions. So I try to offset that negative impact with as much positive as possible.”

Big And Small Underwater Faces, Winner: Mathieu Macias (France)

Big And Small Underwater Faces, 2nd Place: George Kuowei Kao

Also, I always make sure I work with local operators who are experienced and licenced, and who are mindful around animals. For example, if you decide to go on a whale swim trip, make sure the operator has the relevant permit in place. This will ensure that the crew has received the relevant training on how to approach the animals, read the behaviour, etc. It will also ensure your safety as typically boats also need to be assessed (length, safety equipment, etc.) as part of the permit obtention.”

Underwater Seascapes, 2nd Place: Daniel Sly (Australia)

Big And Small Underwater Faces, 3rd Place: Irene Middleton (New Zealand)

Awaken New Depths, Winner: Renee Capozzola (USA)

Above Water Seascapes, Winner: Michael Sswat (Germany)

See Also on Bored Panda

Lastly, we were curious about Vanessa’s upcoming plans and projects in marine conservation. The photographer shared with us: “I will continue to try and support conservation the best I can. I often do beach clean-ups, donate my pictures to conservation organisations, and whenever possible I try to share my experience, educate people and inspire them. I was recently appointed as Marelux Conservation Liaison Officer and I am looking forward to connecting my contacts in wildlife organisations with the Marelux network of talented photographers. I feel this teamwork can lead to great ideas and help support further the protection of our oceans.”

Underwater Seascapes, Winner: Taryn Schulz (Canada)

Above Water Seascapes, 3rd Place: Romeo Bodolai (Hungary)

Small Island Developing States, Winner: Andrea Marandino (Brazil)

Awaken New Depths,2nd Place: Patrick Webster (USA)

Small Island Developing States, 2nd Place: Andrea Marandino (Brazil)

Small Island Developing States, 3rd Place: Stuart Chape (Australia)

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Indrė Lukošiūtė

Miglė

Animals