2026 Ocean Conservancy Photo Contest Winners
See the stunning photos that captured the hearts of our judges, staff and fellow ocean lovers
Our annual Photo Contest is officially wrapped—and wow, you delivered! More than 1,000 ocean lovers shared their incredible ocean and wildlife photos. Thank you for keeping our ocean in focus during National Ocean Month and inspiring us with your creativity.
Now it’s time to meet the favorites. See the stunning photos that captured the hearts of our judges, staff and fellow ocean lovers.
Judges Choice Winner
“Walrus Nursing” by Richard Rothstein
Our group was in a small skiff slowly moving among the icebergs when we came upon the scene in the image. Two female walruses were in what appeared to be a protective posture as one of the females was nursing a small calf. 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!!
A word from the judges:
“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.” – Angela J. Farmer, 2026 Ocean Conservancy Photo Contest Judge & two-time winner
“I love this photograph! The composition is excellent with the reflections and the ice bergs 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 natural in their natural habitat. Very important to me as a photographer to not disturb the animals by my presence. Good job!” – Harvey Hergett, 2026 Ocean Conservancy Photo Contest Judge
“…Really beautiful and powerful. I loved the calm moment, the reflection and the connection between the walruses. It feels very natural, honest and emotional.” – Andrés Ballesteros, 2026 Ocean Conservancy Photo Contest Judge
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Staff Choice Winner
“The Lone Ranger” by Rowan Dear
(Rowan’s Instagram; Rowan’s Website)
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.
A word from the judges:
“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.” – Angela J. Farmer, 2026 Ocean Conservancy Photo Contest Judge & two-time winner
“I liked the angle of the shot as shooting upward on the subject gives it a more majestic feel.” – Harvey Hergett, 2026 Ocean Conservancy Photo Contest Judge
People’s Choice Winner
“Sweet Seal” by Nicole Pellegrino
(Nicole’s Instagram; Nicole’s Website)
This sweet seal was resting on the shore of Long Beach, NY on a bright sunny day in April 2024.
A huge thank you to everyone who entered, voted, shared and cheered on this year’s contest. And a mighty thanks to our expert judges: Angela J. Farmer, Harvey Hergett and Andrés Ballesteros. Congratulations to all our talented photographers—we can’t wait to see what you capture in 2027!
Enjoy the contest’s honorable mentions below and we’ll SEA you next year.
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