There is an entire parallel universe that exists under the ocean, and the Ocean Art Underwater Photo Contest is the perfect opportunity to peek into it. It is considered to be one of the most prestigious nature photography contests in the world. In 2019, contestants from 78 countries have submitted their work, and over $85,000 worth of prizes have been awarded. The competition includes 16 categories, two of which were only introduced this year: Blackwater diving and conservation. When looking at these fascinating images, it is easy to be reminded of how important it is to preserve the natural beauty and well-being of planet earth’s ecosystems, particularly the oceans. These are some of the amazing winning photos of the underwater Photo Contest 2019.
1st Place, Coldwater Category and Best of Show - Greg Lecoeur, "Crab-Eater Seal"
Honorable Mention, Compact Wide Angle Category - Enrico Somogyi, "Coconut Octopus"
3rd Place, Macro Category - Dave Johnson , "The Hypnotist"
2nd Place, Novice Wide Angle Category - George Kuo-Wei Kao, "The Blue Arch"
3rd Place, Blackwater Category - Steven Kovacs, "Lionfish"
3rd Place, Compact Macro Category - Fabien Martinazzo,"Telle Une Torpille Pelagia Cherche Sa Proie"
1st, Marine Life Behavior Category - Paula Vianna, "A Friendly Ride"
3rd Place, Novice Macro Category - George Kuo-Wei Kao, "Who Is It?"
2nd Place, Reefscapes Category - Nicholas More, "Mangrove Soft Coral"
4th Place, Novice Wide Angle Category - Jake Wilton, "Beauty Spots"
4th Place, Portrait Category - Emry Oxford, "Cuba Croc"
Honorable Mention, Marine Life Behavior Category - Jay Clue, "Gigantic Aggregation Of Munk Devil Rays In Baja California Sur"
1st Place, Conservation Category - Shane Gross, "Victim"
5th Place, Marine Life Behavior - Pedro Carillo Montero, "The Choir"
Honorable Mention, Blackwater Category - Suzan Meldonian, "Long Lure Larval Flounder"
Honorable Mention, Underwater Art Category - Aia Mar, "The Air Of Jupiter"
3rd Place, Cold Water Category - Johan Sundelin, "Hungry"
