Ocean Photographer of the Year 2026 finalists announced

Finalists for the 2026 Ocean Photographer of the Year award have been announced following the submission of thousands of images. The competition features various categories, including wildlife, fine art, and conservation, utilizing drone, coastal, and underwater perspectives.

Notable entries include images of orcas hunting a humpback whale calf and an enormous oceanic sunfish. This year, the contest introduced a new category titled ‘Ocean Unseen: Hidden Worlds,’ which focuses on the ocean’s smallest and least-seen inhabitants.

Will Harrison, the founder and director of the annual contest, stated that the photographs serve to ‘surface the stories our planet most needs us to hear’ as environmental pressures on the ocean increase. The winners are scheduled to be announced next month.