WASHINGTON, DC – Calling all ocean lovers and photographers: Ocean Conservancy’s 11th annual Photo Contest launches on Monday, June 3.

“Every year, folks from across the world submit amazing photos that showcase the wonder of the ocean, as well as the challenges it faces,” said Julia Roberson, Ocean Conservancy Vice President of Communications. “In 2018, we received over 1,800 submissions, and we can’t wait to see what people submit this year. Beautiful photography is critical to supporting our conservation work and we are so grateful for every single submission.”

The grand prize winner will be determined by a panel of judges and will receive a $500 gift card to B&H photo. This year’s panel of judges includes Irjaliina Paavonpera, Gabby Salazar, Ben Hicks, Senator Angus King, Senator Patrick Leahy and 2018 grand prize winner Grant Thomas.

In addition to the Judges’ Choice, participants will have the opportunity to win in five submission categories:

• Coastlines & Seascapes: The ocean is not only what’s beneath the water, but the balance between sky, water and earth.
• Human Impact: Both negative and positive, mankind’s impact on the sea cannot be ignored. This category is for photos that highlight the impact the human race has on the ocean, from marine debris and oil spills, to cleanups and animal rescues.
• Marine Wildlife: Ocean creatures great and small in their natural environment, the ocean.
• Ocean Aerials: Aerial photographs that show our ocean from a different, higher perspective.
• Underwater Wonders: From coral reefs to shipwrecks, these photos will leave us in awe.

Category prizes include merchandise from NATHAN, byta and rockflowerpaper. Winners will be decided by public vote, running from Tuesday, June 25 through Wednesday, July 3. Additionally, winners’ photos will be featured in the 2021 Ocean Conservancy calendar and highlighted on Ocean Conservancy social media platforms—reaching an audience upwards of 1.5 million.

All winners will be announced on Monday, July 22. Photos must be submitted through Ocean Conservancy’s online portal to be eligible. More information on rules and regulations can be found here.

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Ocean Conservancy is working to protect the ocean from today’s greatest global challenges. Together with our partners, we create science-based solutions for a healthy ocean and the wildlife and communities that depend on it. For more information, visit www.oceanconservancy.org, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.