"From dramatic aquatic encounters to deep caves to fish and amphibians closely guarding their eggs, there's an entire world below the surface that few of us ever really get to see. That's where images like those in the annual Underwater Photographer of the Year (UPY) come in, glimpsing some of the darkest depths and most alluring and fragile ecosystems on the planet."
"The top prize of the 2026 competition, which has been running annually since 1965, goes to Matthew Smith for his capture of two young sea lions in the Falkland Islands. Additional winning images include Natalie Yarrow's tableau of hinge-beak shrimp inside a pink barrel sponge, Khaichuin Sim's observation of the controversial annual whale hunt in the Faroe Islands, and Sam Blount's dramatic encounter with a leopard seal."
"UPY's categories range from portraits to coral reefs to macro images, all with an emphasis on the diversity, beauty, and vulnerability of the vast parts of our submerged world."
The Underwater Photographer of the Year competition, running since 1965, reveals the hidden beauty and fragility of aquatic ecosystems through compelling imagery. The 2026 competition's top prize went to Matthew Smith for capturing two young sea lions in the Falkland Islands. Other notable winners include Natalie Yarrow's photograph of hinge-beak shrimp in a pink barrel sponge, Khaichuin Sim's documentation of the Faroe Islands whale hunt, and Sam Blount's dramatic leopard seal encounter. The competition features diverse categories including portraits, coral reefs, and macro photography, all emphasizing the diversity, beauty, and vulnerability of marine environments. The full winners' gallery is available on UPY's website and Instagram.
#underwater-photography #marine-ecosystems #wildlife-conservation #ocean-biodiversity #environmental-awareness
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