A mesmerising image showing an aggregation of mobula rays has scooped the top prize at the Ocean Photography Awards 2020. The winning image, taken by Canadian photographer Nadia Aly, was announced in November.
The Ocean Photography Awards is a celebration of the watery world beneath the waves and has six categories: Ocean ConservationPhotographer; Ocean Exploration Photographer; Ocean Adventure Photographer; Young Ocean Photographer; Community Choice Award; and Collective Portfolio Awards. There is also an overall winning image, which is the award that Aly achieved.
"The photograph is perfectly exposed, compellingly dramatic and deeply intriguing. I know from experience that this image was not easy to create," says judge Cristina Mittermeier. "Nadia Aly’s acknowledgement as the Ocean Photographer of the Year is a testament not only to the sheer power and uniqueness of her imagery, but to her journey as a photographer as well. It’s not lost on me that this winning image was made by an incredible water-woman, making it especially joyous and personally inspiring.”
Here, we pick out some more of our favourites from this year's winners and highly commended entries.
Alice Lipscombe-Southwell is the managing editor at BBC Science Focus. She handles the production and editing of the magazine and website, ensuring that everything is sent to press on time. She also makes regular appearances on the Instant Genius podcast. She has a BSc in zoology with marine zoology and has been working in science journalism for nearly a decade. Her interests include natural history, wildlife, the outdoors, health and fitness. In 2022, she won the BSME Talent Award for production team of the year.
