Celebrating the best of ocean photography on World Photography Day

Australian National Maritime Museum

• Finalists for the 2025 Ocean Photographer of the Year Award
• World Premiere exhibition to open November 6

On August 19, World Photography Day, the Australian National Maritime Museum is proud to celebrate the finalists for Oceanographic Magazine’s Ocean Photographer of the Year 2025. These breathtaking images will be on show at the World Premiere exhibition at the Museum opening November 6.

The finalists’ images span nine categories and include 12 Australian photographers whose work has earned international acclaim. The photographs capture the awe-inspiring beauty of the ocean, the deep connection between humans and the sea, and the stark realities of climate change, plastic pollution, and marine exploitation.

The nine categories are: Ocean Conservation Photographer of the Year (Hope), the Ocean Conservation Photographer of the Year (Impact), the Ocean Adventure Photographer of the Year, the Ocean Wildlife Photographer of the Year, the Ocean Fine Art Photographer of the Year, the Ocean Portfolio Award, the Young Ocean Photographer of the Year, as well as the Human Connection Award.

Ocean Photographer of the Year Director, Will Harrison, said: ‘In the midst of a deepening climate and biodiversity crisis on our blue planet, ocean photography has never been more important. These images are far more than just beautiful – they are powerful visual testaments to what we stand to lose, and they remind us of the urgent need for protection.

‘Ocean Photographer of the Year continues to be a vital platform for sharing critical stories from above and below the waterline. We’re in awe of this year’s finalists and look forward to revealing the winners to the world next month. Their work has the power to inspire change.’

Ms Daryl Karp AM, Director and CEO of the Australian National Maritime Museum, added: ‘We are proud to once again partner with Oceanographic Magazine to bring these extraordinary images off the screen and page and into a gallery. The stories behind these photographs are as compelling as the visuals themselves—they challenge us to see the ocean not just as a place of wonder, but as a world in need of our care.’

The Ocean Photographer of the Year competition is presented by Oceanographic Magazine and Blancpain.

The overall winner, category winners and Blancpain Female Fifty Fathoms recipient will be announced in London on September 18.

The exhibition will be open at the Australian National Maritime Museum from November 6.

ENDS

For images and more information visit www.oceanographicmagazine.com/opy

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Alex Gonzalez                              e: [email protected]             m: 0401 545 778