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 Conservation Photographer; 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.
See more incredible science photography:
- A shark with a heart wins Drone Photo Awards 2020
- Sea slugs: 8 photos of the other-worldly creatures that live right here on Earth
“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.
Check out all the winning images at The Ocean Photography Awards website.
A mob of mobulas
Fish fight
Plastic in paradise
Bite me
Date night
Whale hello!
A tense wait
Cosy clown
Help me
Cold toes
Strike me pink
Cave of wonders
Surfing sharks
Foreign object
Take a stand
Authors
Alice is the managing editor at BBC Science Focus Magazine. She has a BSc in zoology with marine zoology. Her interests include natural history, wildlife, the outdoors, health and fitness.
