A mesmerizing photograph of two tiny amphipods resting on a coral formation off the coast of Indonesia has claimed the top prize in the Ocean Photographer of the Year 2025 competition. The winning image, captured by Indonesia-based photographer Yury Ivanov at his local dive site in Bali, showcases these vibrant marine creatures that measure just three millimeters tall, often referred to as "ladybugs of the sea" due to their colorful appearance.
The competition, organized by Oceanographic Magazine and Blancpain, drew more than 15,000 submissions from photographers around the globe, making Ivanov's victory particularly significant. His photograph required exceptional patience and precision to compose and light properly, revealing an intimate glimpse of underwater life that typically goes unnoticed by most observers. The result demonstrates the extraordinary diversity and beauty found in the ocean's smallest inhabitants.
"Winning the competition is an incredible feeling," Ivanov stated. "This award is not just about one image, but about celebrating the ocean itself – its fragility, its diversity, and its extraordinary power to inspire us." His achievement highlights the technical skill and dedication required to capture such microscopic marine subjects in their natural habitat.
Beyond the overall winner, nine category winners were selected, each showcasing different aspects of ocean photography and marine conservation. Ben Thouard won the Adventure category with a dramatic image of a personal watercraft navigating massive waves at the renowned Nazaré surf spot in Portugal, demonstrating the raw power and dynamic nature of ocean environments.
The competition also recognized more somber but important environmental themes. Hugo Bret's photograph of a long-finned pilot whale fetus lying beside its mother's body, killed during the traditional grindadráp whale hunt in the Faroe Islands, won the Impact award. This haunting image serves as a powerful reminder of the complex relationship between human traditions and marine wildlife conservation.
Several winners focused on capturing unique marine behaviors and life cycles. Takumi Oyama earned the Wildlife award for his remarkable photograph of a female yellow pygmy goby fish releasing newly-hatched larvae from her mouth, showcasing the intricate parental care behaviors found in marine species. Meanwhile, Aaron Sanders, who won the Young Ocean Photographer of the Year prize, captured two bobtail squid mating on the seabed off the United Kingdom, highlighting the intimate reproductive behaviors of these fascinating creatures.
The competition also celebrated conservation efforts and scientific research. Sirachai Arunrugstichai's photograph of an aquarist carefully handling an Indo-Pacific leopard shark embryo won the Hope award, illustrating the crucial role of human intervention in marine species preservation. This image represents the positive steps being taken to protect endangered marine life through scientific research and breeding programs.
Female photographers were specifically recognized through the Female Fifty Fathoms award, won by Jialing Cai for her collection of images, including a stunning photograph of a larval pufferfish. Marcia Riederer's artistic image of a dwarf minke whale captured the Fine Art award, while Matthew Sullivan took home the Portfolio award for a comprehensive collection that included a striking shot of a batfish resting on the seabed.
Craig Parry's photograph demonstrating human compassion won the Human Connection award, showing a group of people working together to save a stranded humpback whale. This image powerfully illustrates the positive impact humans can have on marine wildlife when communities come together for conservation efforts.
Will Harrison, director of Ocean Photographer of the Year, emphasized the broader significance of these images in connecting people to marine environments. "The winners of this year's Ocean Photographer of the Year remind us that photography is more than art – it is a bridge," Harrison explained. "Their images connect people to the ocean in ways words cannot, reaching those who may never dive in it or paddle on it, but whose lives are deeply intertwined with it."
Harrison further stressed the urgent environmental message these photographs convey. "In a time of planetary urgency, this year's photographers invite the world to see, feel, and ultimately care. Their work is critical, because we protect what we understand," he added, highlighting photography's vital role in marine conservation advocacy.
The winning photographs will be featured in a traveling Ocean Photographer of the Year exhibition, which will make its inaugural stop at the Australian National Maritime Museum in Sydney starting November 6. This exhibition will provide visitors with an opportunity to experience these remarkable images firsthand and gain a deeper appreciation for the ocean's incredible biodiversity and the urgent need for its protection.
