Winners of the 2024 Ocean Photographer of the Year awards

Image: Oceanographic and Rafael Fernandez Caballero

Earlier this month, Oceanographic Magazine announced the winners of its 2024 Ocean Photographer of the Year awards. The outlet says the awards are meant to "shine a light on the wonder and fragility of our blue planet, and to celebrate the photographers giving it a voice."

According to the outlet, over 15,000 images were submitted for consideration. The finalists and honorable mentions for each category are on the Oceanographic website. The images selected will be shown in a gallery at the Australian National Maritime Museum beginning on November 28th, 2024.

The Ocean winner: Rafael Fernandez Caballero

Image: Rafael Fernández Caballero

Winner of the Ocean Photographer of the Year 2024 award, Rafael Fernández Caballero, told Oceanographic that he shot the image during the Mexican sardine run in late 2023. He said "For years, I’ve visited the Mexican sardine run, always hoping to witness a whale feeding on a baitball," adding that "it’s not just about the image itself, but about the shared experience and the thrill of being in the right place at the right time."

The winning image depicts a Bryde’s whale opening its mouth to eat a school of fish.

Location: Baja California Sur, Mexico

Wildlife winner: Manuel Castellanos Raboso

Image: Manuel Castellanos Raboso

Artist statement: A triumphant mahi-mahi or common dolphinfish proudly displays its catch amidst a feeding frenzy.

Location: Baja California Sur, Mexico

Fine Art winner: Henley Spiers

Image: Henley Spiers

Artist statement: Born during the great mobula aggregations of spring, juvenile Munk's devil rays remain in the Sea of Cortez long after their parents have left, using the shallow bays of Espiritu Santo Island as a nursery.

Location: Baja California Sur, Mexico

Adventure winner: Tobias Friedrich

Image: Tobias Friedrich

Artist statement: A scuba diver looks tiny swimming in front of a shipwreck.

Location: The Bahamas

Conservation (Impact) winner: Frederik Brogaard

Image: Frederik Brogaard

Artist statement: The second biggest whale, the fin whale, lies waiting for its turn to be butchered at a whaling plant in Iceland before getting sent to Japan.

Location: Iceland

Conservation (Hope) winner: Shane Gross

Image: Shane Gross

Artist statement: A green sea turtle is released by a researcher after being caught while trying to catch sharks.

Location: Seychelles

Human Connection: People & Planet Ocean winner: Zhang Xiang

Image: Zhang Xiang

Artist statement: A traditional Chinese fisher makes their way across the beach as the sunset’s golden haze is reflected in the sand and water.

Location: Fujian, China

Young Photographer of the Year winner: Jacob Guy

Image: Jacob Guy

Artist statement: The algae octopus is an elusive creature.

Location: North Sulawesi, Indonesia

Ocean Portfolio winner: Shane Gross

Image: Shane Gross

Artist statement: Baby plainfin midshipman fish, still attached to their yolk sacs.

Location: British Columbia, Canada

Female Fifty Fathoms Award winner: Ipah Uid Lynn

Image: Ipah Uid Lynn

Artist statement: A whale shark surrounded by a swirling school of fish.

Location: The Maldives