By Megan Bennett
Senior Manager, Digital Outreach
Published in Conjunction with National Ocean Month
Executive Overview
The global oceans cover more than 70% of the Earth’s surface, functioning as the planet’s life support system—regulating climate, producing over half of the oxygen we breathe, and sustaining billions of lives. Yet, despite their vital importance, the world beneath the waves often remains out of sight and out of mind for the average global citizen.
To bridge this empathy gap and honor the majesty of marine ecosystems, the Ocean Conservancy’s annual Photo Contest has spent years serving as a powerful visual archive of the beauty, fragility, and resilience of aquatic life. The 2026 edition of the competition has officially drawn to a close, marking a resounding success. More than 1,000 passionate ocean lovers, conservationists, and wildlife photographers from across the globe submitted their most compelling imagery, transforming National Ocean Month into a celebration of visual storytelling.
This year’s entries transcended simple documentation; they served as windows into intimate natural behaviors, haunting landscapes of vanishing sea ice, and striking portraits of marine biodiversity. From the icy expanses of the Arctic Circle to the sun-drenched waters of southern Australia and the bustling shores of New York, the winning photographs remind us of what is at stake in the ongoing fight for ocean conservation.
This article explores the winning images of the 2026 competition, detailing the stories behind the lenses, the rigorous evaluation of our expert panel of judges, and the vital role that photography plays in modern environmental advocacy.
Detailed Chronology: The Journey of the 2026 Competition
The path from the initial call for submissions to the final public unveiling of the winning photographs represents months of coordinated effort by staff, judges, and the global photography community.
Phase One: The Global Call to Action (Spring 2026)
As winter transitioned into spring, the Ocean Conservancy issued an open call inviting amateur and professional photographers alike to submit their best marine and wildlife photography. The criteria were straightforward yet challenging: images had to authentically capture the essence of the ocean, coastal environments, or marine wildlife while adhering to ethical photography standards—principally, ensuring that the subject animals were not disturbed or stressed during the capture process.
Phase Two: The Deluge of Creativity (National Ocean Month)
Throughout the month of June, submissions poured in from every corner of the map. By the time the submission window closed, over 1,000 entries had been logged. The sheer diversity of the portfolio was staggering, ranging from macro shots of translucent nudibranchs to sweeping aerial views of humpback whale migrations. Staff members and preliminary screeners faced the daunting task of narrowing down the massive pool of talent to a shortlist worthy of elite expert review.
Phase Three: Expert Deliberation and Judging
A panel of renowned wildlife and conservation photographers—featuring Angela J. Farmer, Harvey Hergett, and Andrés Ballesteros—convened to evaluate the shortlisted images. Scoring was based on technical execution, artistic composition, emotional resonance, and ethical field practices. The judges combed through details such as lighting, subject isolation, and behavioral context, ultimately selecting the "Judges Choice" and "Staff Choice" winners, while the wider public cast their digital ballots to determine the "People’s Choice" champion.
The Masterpieces: Analyzing the 2026 Winners
1. Judges Choice Winner: “Walrus Nursing” by Richard Rothstein
- Location: Svalbard, Norway
- Photographer: Richard Rothstein
The Scene:
Floating quietly among towering icebergs in a small skiff, photographer Richard Rothstein encountered a tender, rarely witnessed scene in the high Arctic. Two adult female walruses positioned themselves in a protective frame around a small calf that was actively nursing. Mirrored perfectly in the glassy meltwater below, the scene doubled in visual impact, creating a stunning natural symmetry.
"Our group was in a small skiff slowly moving among the icebergs when we came upon the scene in the image… We remained a very respectable distance and did not approach. The walruses seemed to completely tolerate our presence as there appeared to be no alteration of their natural behavior. This was my first encounter with walruses, and it was truly an experience of a lifetime!!" — Richard Rothstein
Expert Commentary:
The judging panel was unanimous in its praise for Rothstein’s restraint and technical mastery.
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Angela J. Farmer (Two-time contest winner and 2026 Judge) noted:
“There’s such tenderness in this Arctic moment—two adult walruses framing the calf nursing between them, all mirrored in the glassy meltwater below. That reflection doubles the impact and gives the composition a beautiful symmetry, and the soft, even light shows off every wrinkle and whisker. A quiet, intimate family portrait set against the fragile backdrop of the sea ice these animals depend on.” -
Harvey Hergett emphasized the ethical dimension of the shot:
“I love this photograph! The composition is excellent with the reflections and the icebergs in the background balancing the photograph. I also appreciate that the photographer captured this photo and it does not appear like the animals were stressed out in any way. They are acting and behaving naturally in their natural habitat. Very important to me as a photographer to not disturb the animals by my presence.” -
Andrés Ballesteros added:
“Really beautiful and powerful. I loved the calm moment, the reflection and the connection between the walruses. It feels very natural, honest and emotional.”
2. Staff Choice Winner: “The Lone Ranger” by Rowan Dear
- Location: Whyalla, South Australia
- Photographer: Rowan Dear
The Scene:
Sinking beneath the surface of the coastal waters off Whyalla, Rowan Dear captured a cinematic moment during the annual giant cuttlefish aggregation. A large male giant cuttlefish—cruising the shoreline in search of a mate—is illuminated by a dramatic sunburst piercing the water’s surface.
"A large male Giant Cuttlefish cruises around the shoreline of Whyalla, looking for a mate this season. Most of the Cuttlefish here are smaller and similar size to the females, however you will see some very large males who are 3-4 times the size of some males who will swim around and bully and dominate the other males and sometimes guard up to 3 females. The larger males are probably 2 years old and have been eating their way through summer waiting for the mating season in winter." — Rowan Dear
Expert Commentary:
The staff and judges alike were captivated by the dramatic lighting and otherworldly textures of the subject.
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Angela J. Farmer remarked:
“This is an absolute showstopper—the sunburst breaking through the surface turns an ordinary dive into something almost cinematic. The cuttlefish’s intricate textures and shifting purple-to-copper tones are stunning, and the way the light rays guide your eye right down to it shows real mastery of natural underwater lighting. A rich, immersive image that makes you feel like you’re in the water with him.” -
Harvey Hergett noted:
“I liked the angle of the shot as shooting upward on the subject gives it a more majestic feel.”
3. People’s Choice Winner: “Sweet Seal” by Nicole Pellegrino
- Location: Long Beach, New York, USA
- Photographer: Nicole Pellegrino
The Scene:
Captured on a bright, crisp spring day in April 2024, this charming photograph showcases a harbor seal resting peacefully on the sandy shore of Long Beach, New York. Selected by popular vote from thousands of enthusiastic community members, "Sweet Seal" embodies the unexpected wildlife encounters that can happen right in our own backyard, emphasizing that marine conservation is a global responsibility that begins close to home.
Supporting Context & Metrics: The Intersection of Art and Advocacy
Photography has long been recognized as one of the most effective tools in the conservationist’s arsenal. While scientific data, policy briefs, and statistical reports are crucial for drafting legislation and understanding ecological decline, imagery speaks directly to the human heart.
The Psychology of Visual Conservation
Environmental psychologists have repeatedly demonstrated that exposure to compelling wildlife imagery activates empathy centers in the human brain. When viewers see the intimate familial bond of Arctic walruses mirrored in melting sea ice, or the intricate, alien beauty of a giant cuttlefish bathed in celestial light, the abstract concept of "ocean conservation" transforms into a tangible, emotional imperative.
Key Metrics from the 2026 Contest:
- Submissions: Over 1,000 entries received from amateur and professional photographers worldwide.
- Geographic Spread: Representation spanning multiple continents, arctic zones, temperate coastal waters, and deep-sea habitats.
- Engagement: Tens of thousands of public votes cast during the People’s Choice voting window, signaling an unprecedented level of digital engagement during National Ocean Month.
- Ethical Standard: 100% of winning and shortlisted images met strict non-disturbance criteria, proving that wildlife photography can—and must—coexist with animal welfare.
Official Statements and Acknowledgments
The success of the 2026 Ocean Conservancy Photo Contest relies heavily on the dedication of the administrative teams, the expertise of the guest judges, and the generosity of the global photography community.
In a joint statement released upon the announcement of the winners, the Ocean Conservancy expressed profound gratitude:
"A huge thank you to everyone who entered, voted, shared, and cheered on this year’s contest. Your creativity keeps our ocean in focus when it needs it most. We extend our deepest gratitude to our expert judges—Angela J. Farmer, Harvey Hergett, and Andrés Ballesteros—for dedicating their keen eyes and artistic expertise to this year’s selection process. Congratulations to all our talented photographers. You have reminded us why we fight every day to protect these waters."
Future Outlook: Looking Ahead to 2027
As the waves continue to lap against our shores and global marine ecosystems face mounting pressures from climate change, overfishing, and plastic pollution, the need for robust advocacy has never been greater. Visual storytelling will remain at the forefront of the Ocean Conservancy’s mission to educate, inspire, and mobilize the public.
With the 2026 contest successfully in the books, anticipation is already building for next year. Photographers, divers, beachgoers, and conservationists are encouraged to keep their lenses polished, their cameras ready, and their field ethics pristine as they head out into the field.
The Ocean Conservancy invites all nature enthusiasts to explore the comprehensive gallery of honorable mentions on their official platform and sign up for digital updates to ensure they do not miss the launch of the 2027 competition.
Until then, keep exploring, keep protecting, and SEA you next year!
