Each year, the United Nations World Oceans Day Photo Contest brings together the planet’s most talented underwater and ocean-focused photographers to raise awareness about the beauty and fragility of our marine world. In its twelfth edition, the 2025 contest has once again delivered an inspiring collection of imagery that celebrates the ocean’s majesty, biodiversity, and urgent need for protection.
Photo by: Rachel Moore
Organized by the United Nations Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea, in partnership with DivePhotoGuide (DPG), Oceanic Global, and UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission, the contest is curated by renowned underwater photographer Ellen Cuylaerts. The international jury—composed of world-class ocean advocates and visual storytellers—selects the most powerful images from hundreds of global entries.
The 12 winning photos span six categories, including Above Water Seascapes, Underwater Life, Human-Ocean Connection, Big and Small Underwater Faces, Coastal Communities, and Science in Action. These photographs do more than just impress with technical skill—they evoke emotion, ignite curiosity, and remind us of the profound bond between humanity and the sea.
From a haunting shot of a lone sea turtle navigating plastic waste to a vibrant close-up of coral reef biodiversity, each image tells a vital story. Whether capturing fragile ecosystems or the resilience of coastal communities, the winning photographs spark a deeper appreciation for our ocean’s wonders.
This contest, made possible by the ongoing support of DivePhotoGuide, highlights the role of art in ocean advocacy. As climate challenges and human impacts intensify, these photos urge us to protect the blue heart of our planet—not just on World Oceans Day, but every day.
Scroll down and inspire yourself. You can check their website for more information.
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#1. Wonder: Sustaining What Sustains Us – 1st Place Winner: Rachel Moore, USA
#2. Wonder: Sustaining What Sustains Us – 2nd Place Winner: Luis Arpa Toribio, Spain
#3. Wonder: Sustaining What Sustains Us – 3rd Place Winner: Steven Lopez, USA
#4. Big and Small Underwater Faces – 1st Place Winner: Andrey Nosik, Russia
#5. Big and Small Underwater Faces – 2nd Place Winner: Giacomo Marchione, Italy
#6. Big and Small Underwater Faces – 3rd Place Winner: Lars von Ritter Zahony, Germany
#7. Underwater Seascapes – 1st Place Winner: Dani Escayola, Spain
#8. Underwater Seascapes – 2nd Place Winner: Gerald Rambert, Mauritius
#9. Underwater Seascapes – 3rd Place Winner: Pedro Carrillo, Spain
#10. Above Water Seascapes – 1st Place Winner: Leander Nardin, Austria
#11. Above Water Seascapes – 2nd Place Winner: Nur Tucker, UK/Turkey
#12. Above Water Seascapes – 3rd Place Winner: Audrey Nosik, Russia
