2015 Judges
Introducing the Photo Competition Judges:
2015 Photo Competition
Ellen Cuylaerts
Curator Belgium
Göran Ehlmé
Head Designer, Waterproof Diving Internationa Sweden
Suzanne Gendron
Executive Director of Zoological Operations & Education, Ocean Park China
Judy Mann
Conservation Strategist, South African Association for Marine Biological Research South Africa
Kathy Moran
Senior Editor, Natural History, National Geographic United States
Manu San Felix
Underwater Image Director, Pristine Seas Project, National Geographic Spain2015 World Oceans Day Theme Winner
The 2015 World Oceans Day Theme Winner, taken by Cecile Gaspar in French Polynesia, is a simply composed image of a young girl and a baby sea turtle sharing a brief encounter. However, the moment captured is extremely powerful and speaks loudly on the importance of healthy oceans to humankind and our future. The girl keeps the turtle safe for its first few steps out to uncertainty in the vast ocean. A steward of the ocean and its inhabitants, the young girl’s care and sense of wonder offer hope that, working together, we can protect the ocean for future generations of both humans and of sea turtles.
Winner
Cécile Gaspar (France)
French Polynesia
Above Water Seascapes
In the Above Water Seascapes category, we see low tide in an urban setting from a birdwatcher’s vantage point, an iguana that swims and dives for prey, and waves at dawn.
Winner
James Vodicka, Australia
Manly Beach, Sydney, Australia
Finalists
Gregory Lecoeur, France
Tortuga Beach, Archipelago of Galapagos
Bair Mokhosoev, Russian Federation
May Day in Qinhuangdao City, China
Human Interaction with the Ocean
The category of Human Interaction: Taking Action on Climate Change and Ocean Acidification shows us opposite ends of the spectrum, from feared sharks and alligators to a cuddly seal pup. The shark and the seal are both at risk from human activity, while the alligator provides an opportunity to observe a predator.
Winner
Ellen Cuylaerts, Belgium
Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine, Canada
Finalists
Gregory Lecoeur, France
Gardens of the Queen” in Cuba
Gregory Lecoeur, France
Underwater Life
Selections in the Underwater Life Category include a fish who has been engulfed by a predator, a mass of fish schooling for protection, and mother and infant humpback whales. These images display both a wild and dangerous side of life beneath the waves as well as a sense of calm, almost human-like, parental nurture. These scenes remind us that the oceans contain a vast diversity of life based on delicately balanced cycles.
Winner
Fabrice Guerin, France
Kingdom of Tonga
Finalists
Jennifer O’Neil, USA
Doris Vierkoetter, Germany
Underwater Seascapes
The Underwater Seascapes category brings us jellyfish, an alligator lazing in a mangrove, and stingrays at sunset. These placid moments evoke a peaceful view of the ocean, one that provides relaxation and recreation for millions of people.
Winner
Ellen Cuylaerts, Belgium
Cayman Islands
Finalists
Gregory Lecoeur, France
Garden of the Queen, Cuba
Ethan Daniels, USA
Youth Photographer
The young photographers who captured the Youth category wish to share scenes near their homes that inspire them to protect the ocean. Jaime Rae has captured the breach of a whale, while Jerard Raphaelle Baclay finds peaceful afternoons with small fishing boats.
Winner
Jerard Raphaelle Baclay, Philippines
Saranggani Province, Philippines
Finalists
Jerard Raphaelle Baclay
Saranggani Province, Philippines
Jaime Rae, Canada
Bay of Fundy off of Grand Manan Island
Thank you to Blancpain for its contribution to the United Nations World Oceans Day Photo Competition, and to Dive Photo Guide for their support.
Hosted by the Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea of the Office of Legal Affairs (DOALOS) in partnership with Oceanic Global and supported by Panerai.