Rocket-like jellyfish, regal Komodo dragon and harrowing whale rescue — see the stunning Ocean Photographer of the Year 2025 finalists
A rocket -shaped jellyfish, a majestic Komodo dragon And A dangerous meeting of surfing is just a few Superb photographs captured by the Finalists of the competition of the ocean photographer of the year 2025. The competition includes categories such as impact and hope, which have requested breathtaking photographs that capture various forms of marine life and human interaction with the ocean.
The global winners and categories of the competition, organized by the Oceanographic magazine and the Whitepain watch company, will be announced in September. But all the photos of the finalists underline the need to protect the planet.
“In the middle of a deepening Climate and biodiversity crisis On our blue planet, Ocean Photography has never been so important, “said Will Harrison, director of the ocean photographer of the year, in a statement from the organization.” These images are much more than beautiful; These are powerful visual testaires to what we want to lose, and they remind us of the urgent need for protection. “”
Here are some of the magnificent photos.
Synchronized swimmers
Photographer Yuka Takahashifinalist in the “young” category of the competition, captured a pair of synchronized Bump whales In French Polynesia swimming through rays of sun. “These two humpback whales are always seen together, and I had the chance to capture this rare moment of synchronicity,” said Takahashi. “For me, this photo reflects the strong link between them while revealing their fun and curious personalities.”
Hot bath
In this image, broken by the finalist in the category “Wildlife” and photographer Suliman AlatiqiA Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis) is looming on an Indonesian shore. Because Komodo dragons are cold blood, they count on cold water or mud to regulate their body temperature in summer. They also travel through the seabed to seek food and friends.
In relation: Oceanic photographer of the year 2024: see superb photos of hungry whales, Seagull surfing, bizarre fish babies, earthly and adorable pile
Collateral damage
Photographer Natnattcha Chaturapitamorn Cracked this image of fishermen unloading their catches in a Bangladais port during sunrise, which is a finalist in the “impact” category.
“In the midst of this industrial energy, the presence of an endangered species recalls the urgent need to protect marine biodiversity,” said Chaturapitamorn. “While world fish stocks decrease, the safeguarding of endangered species as this is vital, not only for ecological balance but for long-term sustainability of fishermen’s communities which depend on the generosity of the ocean.”
Failed
On July 1, the fauna veterinarians received a call about a humpback whale stranded on an Australian beach and a photographer Craig Parry documented the heartbreaking scene from above. For 15 hours, the rescue teams and other members of the community worked to save the whale but failed.
“Although the result was heartbreaking, testifying to the collaboration and compassion shown by several agencies and volunteers was incredibly moving – a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when people meet with a common goal,” said Parry, whose photo is a finalist in the “human connection” category.
Fishing school
This fascinating image, taken in Indonesia by photographer Kim Hyeon Min, captures a school of juvenile fish around a tower of coral And is a finalist in the “Hope” category. The dynamism of the coral suggests that it has not been affected by money laundering and is always able to accommodate a miniature ecosystem for surrounding creatures. “At a time when marine ecosystems disappear quickly, this image recalls what we still have – and an overview full of hope for what we have to protect for the future,” said Hyeon Min.
Medusa from another world
Jellyfish are often described as extraterrestrial, and this ethereal image captured in Spain by the photographer Toni Bertran Regàs Takes this comparison with new heights with this finalist in the “Fine Art” category.
“I have always been fascinated by the resemblance between jellyfish and space rockets,” said Bertran Regens. “I was looking for a photograph that transmitted this connection: a rocket leaving the earth. To do this, I used a Fisheye lens and I took the photo at the moment
Monster waves
Photographer Ben ThouardFinalist in the “Adventure” category, captured a agitated sea day in Nazaré, Portugal. Although water is too dangerous for many surfers, two have tried it. Despite the difficulty of photographing between huge waves and through salt water in the air, Thouard finally pulled this moment.
