Call for Entries: Ocean Image Collection Photography Competition 2026

Celebrate the beauty, power, and fragility of our ocean.

The Marine Biological Association is inviting photographers from around the world to enter the Ocean Image Collection Photography Competition 2026, a global showcase of compelling ocean imagery that highlights marine life, ocean processes, and humanity’s relationship with our ocean.

Open to photographers of all ages and levels of experience, the competition seeks powerful images that explore the ocean in its broadest sense, including:

• Marine and coastal environments
• Ocean processes and change
• Marine species and biodiversity
• Human connections with the ocean

Images may be captured above or below the water and can be documentary, observational, or interpretive in style.

Entry Categories

Photographers may enter in one of two categories:

• MBA Member Category
• Public Category

Prizes will be awarded in each category, with winning and shortlisted images selected through a combination of expert review and MBA Member voting.

The Ocean Image Collection

Selected images will form the Ocean Image Collection,to be featured across MBA platforms. The collection aims to celebrate visual storytelling as a powerful tool for connecting people with marine science, conservation, and the changing ocean.

Who Can Enter

The competition is open worldwide and welcomes entries from photographers at all stages of their creative journey, from emerging talent to established professionals.

Deadline for entries: Friday 30th September 2026

The Marine Biological Association would like to thank its generous sponsors for their support of the competition: CRC Press Taylor & Francis Group, Princeton University Press and the Framed Picture Company.

Click here for full Terms and Conditions.