Mobula rays are also known as “devil rays,” however not like their relations, stingrays, they lack a stinger, making them a bit much less nefarious than their identify implies. When rays collect collectively into a gaggle, it’s often known as a squadron, and for photographers Brittany Ilardi and Eduardo Acevedo, the phenomenon impressed award-winning photographs within the 2024 Ocean Artwork Underwater Photograph Contest offered by Underwater Pictures Information.
Now in its thirteenth yr, the competitors noticed record-breaking participation with entries submitted from greater than 90 nations. From macro views like Imogen Manin’s seize of a fish camouflaged in coral to beautiful black-and-white scenes like Eduardo Labat’s best-in-show sighting of circling white-tip sharks, the successful photographs showcase the wonder, range, and vulnerability of underwater ecosystems.
Further recommended photographs embrace portraits of nudibranchs within the Philippines, a swimming octopus in Spain, and diving seabirds in Scotland’s northern isles. A class dedicated to underwater conservation encourages us to suppose extra rigorously about what occurs to single-use plastics once we’re completed with them or how discarded fishing gear and ghost nets can hurt wildlife. Different artistic classes embrace digital, blackwater, conduct, and underwater vogue.
“The talent and vision displayed by our participants have set new benchmarks for underwater photography,” says contest organizer Nirupam Nigam, who can be president of Bluewater Photograph and editor-in-chief of the Underwater Pictures Information. “These images do more than win awards; they captivate hearts and minds, reaching millions globally and reminding us of our shared responsibility to protect the ocean’s beauty.”
Dive into the net winners’ gallery, and control the competitors’s web site for bulletins concerning the open name for the 2025 version.
