The Australian National Maritime Museum is hosting the world premiere exhibition of the Ocean Photographer of the Year Awards, run by London-based Oceanographic Magazine.


A selection of the images from this year’s exhibition by the following photographers, listed clockwise from top left: James Ferrara, Sylvie Ayer, Dmitri Kokh, Max Holba, Jack Pokoj and Renee Capozzola. (All images copyrighted.)

The Awards see ocean photographers of all disciplines and experience levels, amateurs and professionals alike, invited to submit their most impactful imagery to be judged by a panel of some of the world’s leading ocean photographers. On display are more than 100 of the best images from this year’s competition, arranged in 9 categories with the overall winner crowned the Ocean Photographer of the Year.

  • Ocean Conservation Photographer the Year (Hope)
  • Ocean Conservation Photographer of the Year (Impact)
  • Ocean Adventure Photographer of the Year
  • Ocean Wildlife Photographer of the Year
  • Ocean Fine Art Photographer the Year
  • Ocean Portfolio Award
  • Young Ocean Photographer of the Year
  • Human Connection Award: People and Planet Ocean
  • Female Fifty Fathoms Award

Winner of the 2023 Ocean Photographer of the Year award is macro and blackwater photographic specialist, Jialing Cai from Chongqing, China, who is studying Evolutionary Biology at Columbia University in New York. Jailing’s photo of a paper nautilus shell in the waters of Batangas Bay, Philippines after the Taal Volcano eruption won her the title of 2023 Ocean Photographer of the Year.


The winning image in this year’s Ocean Photographer of the Year competition, taken by Jialing Cai from Chongqing, China. (© Jialing Cai.)

Tickets to see the exhibition can be booked here. Prices are as follows: Adult – $25, Concession – $20, Child under 15 – $15, Family – $70. Members of the museum and children under 4 are admitted free of charge.

The museum is located at 2 Murray Street, Darling Harbour.

The exhibition ends 26 May 2024.