“Announcement of Leading Winners: Highlights from the 2024 Ocean Art Underwater Photography Contest”

**Unveiling the Depths: Highlights from the 2024 Ocean Art Underwater Photo Contest**

The captivating depths of the ocean hide a vibrant world full of life, drama, and stunning beauty, often beyond the reach of the average explorer. Nevertheless, the 2024 Ocean Art Underwater Photo Contest, hosted by the **Underwater Photography Guide**, breaks that barrier by showcasing these underwater wonders on both literal and metaphorical levels. This year’s contest was truly remarkable, with entries pouring in from over 90 nations, illustrating the vast diversity of marine ecosystems. Featuring 14 unique categories, from Macro to Cold Water to innovative Underwater Conservation, the competition emphasizes both the awe of the undersea world and the pressing need for conservation to safeguard these environments.

### **“Dancing White Tips” by Eduardo Labat: An Enchanting Perspective**
At the forefront of the contest was Eduardo Labat’s striking black-and-white photograph, *“Dancing White Tips.”* Taken at Roca Partida, Mexico, the image captures numerous white tip sharks gracefully moving in a stunning circular formation. Shot during sunset with the gentle diffusion of natural light, Labat’s monochrome approach infuses the photograph with drama and structure, enhancing the striking contrast of the sharks’ white-tipped fins. This captivating capture not only earned the title of Overall Winner but also excelled in the Black & White category.

Labat reflected on the extraordinary scene as “a beautiful sight,” noting that the calm congregation of sharks was a stark departure from their typical aggressive hunting behavior. Rather than displaying predatory instincts, these creatures appeared serene in their synchronized swimming—a fleeting moment beautifully preserved.

### **Other Notable Mentions: Highlighting Unique Behaviors and Conservation Narratives**
The 2024 Ocean Art competition opened a window to awe-inspiring moments of marine life that few get to experience. Here are some notable winners:

#### **1. “Born From Mouth” by Yoichi Sato**
– **Category**: Marine Life Behavior (Winner)
– **Location**: Kagoshima, Japan
Demonstrating remarkable parental care, Sato captured a rare instance when a male Cardinalfish released newly hatched larvae from his mouth—an act known as mouthbrooding. Using specialized red lighting to reduce stress on the fish, Sato ensured this delicate moment was documented naturally. This intimate portrayal of parental behavior, hidden beneath the night waters, reveals the intricacies of marine reproduction.

#### **2. “Exceptional Shipping” by Stefano Cerbai**
– **Category**: Portrait (Winner)
– **Location**: Southern Australia
On his honeymoon, Cerbai fulfilled a lifelong aspiration by photographing a sea dragon with eggs. The male sea dragon’s commitment to carrying its brood near its tail unveiled an endearing glimpse into these often-elusive creatures. The captivating portrait, set against Australia’s vibrant waters, highlights the fragility and resilience of sea dragons.

#### **3. “Hunting” by Kyungshin Kim**
– **Category**: Blackwater (Winner)
– **Location**: Anilao, Philippines
What first seemed to be a squid mating event morphed into a startling act of squid cannibalism. Kim’s photograph depicts the harsh yet fascinating realities of marine predation that frequently remain hidden in the darkness. Observing the aggressor feed on its smaller relative transcends scientific curiosity, offering a raw, primal representation of survival.

#### **4. “Fire Babies” by Jenny Stock**
– **Category**: Underwater Digital Art (2nd Place)
Stock uniquely blended natural photography with digital innovation, transforming vibrant orange Cardinalfish eggs into an artistic representation reminiscent of flames. This creative approach exemplifies the seamless integration of art and science in underwater photography initiatives.

### **Honoring the Ocean’s Splendor Through Inclusivity**
Amid the vast array of submitted images, some honed in on portraiture while others highlighted narratives or human interaction with marine conservation. Kyungshin Kim’s *“Hunting”* in Blackwater revealed predatory behaviors, while Tom Vierus captured community-driven conservation initiatives in Fiji within the *Underwater Conservation* category. These pieces serve as a reminder that oceans are not merely sites of extraordinary biodiversity; they are ecosystems in critical need of global preservation efforts.

#### **A Closer Examination of Conservation: “Turtle Conservation” by Tom Vierus**
Category winner Vierus shared an in-depth story of Fiji’s turtle conservation programs, where traditional knowledge and modern science unite to protect endangered green turtles. By documenting the profound yet meticulous process of studying and releasing a turtle back into its habitat, Vierus’ work fosters an emotional connection between the audience and marine sustainability initiatives.

### **Highlights from Macro and Artistic Shots**
#### **“Juvenile Batfish” by Adam Martin**
– **Category**: Macro (Winner)
– **Location**: Bali, Indonesia
A solitary juvenile batfish in