Majestic Ocean Moments: Winners of 2025 Photo Contest Revealed!

Crystal River, Florida, United States - As the tides roll in and out, so do celebrations of our oceans’ beauty and resilience. Recently, the Ocean Conservancy unveiled the winners of its 2025 photo contest, bringing together spectacular imagery that captures the essence of marine life and its environments. From the spirited play of manatees to the majestic grandeur of humpback whales, these entries showcase the wonder of our blue planet.

This year’s contest was a resounding success, receiving numerous submissions that astounded the judges with their quality. In total, winners were awarded in three distinct categories: Judges’ Choice, Staff Choice, and People’s Choice.

Winners and Their Wonders

Proudly taking home the Judges’ Choice award was Andrés Ballesteros with his evocative photo, „The Art of Survival.“ The piece shows a blue-footed booby mid-capture of a fish, a true testament to the breathtaking dynamics of nature. Meanwhile, Harvey Hergett clinched the Staff Choice award with a stunning image entitled „Sunset Whale Tail in Front of Eagle Glacier.“ This piece beautifully depicts a humpback whale tail rising against the spectacular backdrop of Alaska’s Eagle Glacier. Finally, the People’s Choice award went to Paige Taggart for her heartwarming snapshot, „Manatee Love!“ taken in Crystal River, Florida, where a juvenile manatee is seen interacting playfully with the photographer while snorkeling.

The „Give Back“ contest not only recognized these artistic endeavours but also sought to highlight the crucial issues surrounding ocean conservation. Each contest winner will see a donation made to support the Ocean Conservancy, a nonprofit dedicated to the protection of oceans and the diverse communities that flourish within them. Their mission resonates strongly, as they work to develop evidence-based solutions to the challenges facing global ocean health.

Broader Ocean Advocacy

This year’s contest not only celebrated beauty but also gave a nod to the artistic prowess necessary to capture the ocean’s mysteries. Master Judge Philip Thurston, known for his great enthusiasm for wave photography, played a pivotal role in this year’s selection process. His eye for detail and passion for oceanic endeavors truly shone through the winning selections.

Additionally, mention must be made of the Grand Jury Winner, Roland Bach, whose „ART OF MEDUSA“ compelled viewers with its stunning composition of a jellyfish, and the runners-up who captured striking ocean moments: „Wild Welsh Water“ by Tony Hughes and „Press-The-Button“ by Nishant-101 were recognized for their extraordinary portrayal of the ocean’s raw power and emotional depth.

By participating in events like these, the community reaffirms its commitment to marine advocacy. Organizations such as Oceana play a critical role in rallying support for preserving our oceans and the wildlife within them. Their initiatives align with the values expressed in the photo contest, aiming to protect our planet and raise awareness about the breathtaking, albeit fragile, ecosystems we depend upon.

Thus, as we reflect on the powerful stories told through these photographs, it’s clear that our oceans are not just beautiful backdrops, but vital lifelines deserving of every effort we can muster to protect them.