Dive into 2024’s Ocean Art Winners!

The Story: The 2024 Ocean Art Underwater Photo Contest has crowned Eduardo Labat as the "Best in Show" for his striking image "Dancing White Tips," showcasing white-tip reef sharks in a mesmerizing underwater ballet. This year, over 90 countries participated, celebrating the beauty and fragility of marine ecosystems.

The Details:

• Eduardo Labat captured "Dancing White Tips" during a late-afternoon dive at Roca Partida, Mexico, using a Sony a6600 in a Nauticam housing.

• Labat's photo not only won the grand prize but also took home the top spot in the Black and White category, highlighting his technical prowess.

• The competition featured 14 categories, including underwater conservation, which showcased haunting images of marine life impacted by plastic waste and fishing gear.

• With more than $60,000 in prizes, winners received luxury dive trips and state-of-the-art underwater gear, helping to inspire future photographers.

• Nirupam Nigam, the contest organizer, emphasized the ongoing commitment to ocean conservation and the growing impact of the contest on environmental awareness.

Why It Matters: Celebrating stunning underwater photography goes beyond accolades; it serves as a powerful reminder of the need to protect our oceans. With record participation and breathtaking entries, this year's Ocean Art competition illustrates the unique interplay of art and advocacy. For those in creative industries, it underscores the importance of using visual storytelling to engage audiences on critical environmental issues. The competition highlights how artistry can influence public perception and inspire action toward marine conservation, making it particularly relevant for photographers and creatives looking to make a difference.