Apply for Ocean Conservancy’s Annual Photo Contest

Categories

• Human Impact
  • Whether it’s a storm surge due to climate change, or fishing gear removed from a local waterway, how are humans making an impact on our ocean? Rescue efforts, trash cleanups, marine pollution, oil spills, etc.
• Marine Wildlife
  • Goblin shark glamour shots? Sea slug selfies? Porpoise portraits? They love to see ‘em all.
• Spectacular Seascapes
  • From coral reefs to sensational sunrises, these photos will always leave them in awe of our ocean.

Funding Information

• The Grand Prize: $1,500 cash prize.
• People’s Choice Winner: $500 cash prize.
• Staff Choice Winner: $500 cash prize.

Eligibility Criteria

• The contest is open to everyone.
• However, if you are 18 years old or younger, you may participate in the contest only with the permission and assistance of your parent(s) or guardian(s).
• There may be restrictions on which prizes someone who is under 18 years of age can win.

Selection Criteria

• Finalists will be selected by a panel of judges from among the eligible entries based on the quality of the contestant’s entry and how well the images convey the theme of the contest. The panel will select one grand prize winner. All decisions of the judging panels are final. You do not need to collect votes to win the Judges’ Choice.
• One entry will be selected by public voters as the winner. The eligible submission that receives the most eligible public votes during the Voting Period will be deemed the People’s Choice winner.
• One entry will be selected by Ocean Conservancy staff as winner. The eligible submission that received the most eligible staff votes during the Voting Period will be deemed the Staff Choice winner.

Application Requirements

• The subject matter of the photograph or video submission must consist of marine wildlife or marine habitats and must be photographed in a natural setting.
• Shots of aquariums, pools or other captive locations will not be accepted.
• Photographs or video of divers touching or stressing marine wildlife will not be accepted.
• Photographs or video that involve the willful harassment of wildlife or that cause damage to the environment by the photographer will not be accepted.
• Photographs or video created by or with the assistance of generative artificial intelligence tools are ineligible.
• Photographs or video containing imagery inconsistent with the programs and policies of Ocean Conservancy will be deemed ineligible.

For more information, visit Ocean Conservancy.