Whale of a time: The most stunning underwater photos that exist
Are you fascinated with the underwater world? These 12 images — the winners of the 2024 Ocean Photographer of the Year competition — are for you
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A breaching humpback whale on its migration path along the Australian coastline. Image Courtesy: Clayton Harris/Ocean Photographer of the Year 2024
In Papua New Guinea's Conflict Islands, conservation efforts have transformed former poachers into protectors, boosting turtle hatchling numbers. Amid this success, a rare leucistic green sea turtle was found amongst the nests. Image Courtesy: Jake Wilton/Ocean Photographer of the Year 2024
An elusive algae octopus shows off its fluorescence under ultraviolet light. Image Courtesy: Jacob Guy/Ocean Photographer of the Year 2024
A Bryde’s whale about to devour a heart-shaped baitball. Image Courtesy: Rafael Fernández Caballero/Ocean Photographer of the Year 2024
A curious octopus looks out from its hiding place. Image Courtesy: Kate Jonker/Ocean Photographer of the Year 2024
A fishing boat off Hon Yen as its long trail of smoke perfectly aligns with the shape of the green nets under the surface. Image Courtesy: Thien Nguyen Ngoc/Ocean Photographer of the Year 2024
The second biggest whale, the fin whale, lies waiting for its turn to be butchered at a whaling plant in Iceland before getting sent to Japan. Image Courtesy: Frederik Brogaard/Ocean Photographer of the Year 2024
During an early morning's negative tide, a California Moray Eel (Gymnothorax mordax) pauses at the surface. Image Courtesy: Julian Jacobs/Ocean Photographer of the Year 2024
Scientists conduct an ultrasound on a female tiger shark off the coast of Grand Bahama. She was discovered to be pregnant, and a groundbreaking device called a birth tag was inserted into her. Image Courtesy: Tanya Houppermans/Ocean Photographer of the Year 2024
A tiny goby perched on a delicate sea whip. Image Courtesy: Ipah Uid Lynn/Ocean Photographer of the Year 2024
Juvenile Munk’s devil rays are attracted by a green light, seemingly flying through the water. Image Courtesy: Henley Spiers/Ocean Photographer of the Year 2024
Traditional Sri Lankan stilt fishermen at sunset. Image Courtesy: Pavlos Evangelidis/Ocean Photographer of the Year 2024