Did you know our oceans cover 80% of our planet, generate 50% of the oxygen we breathe and absorb 25% of all carbon dioxide emissions?

There is no time like the present to celebrate our ocean, its biodiversity, and the human connection to it, along with the urgent need to mobilise to protect our oceans for future generations.

Now in its third year, the photo competition is part of the 30th Ocean Festival which kicks off at the end of November (Sunday 26 November – Sunday 3 December) with an eight-day festival celebrating our five aquatic reserves, our marine flora, fauna and megafauna.

The central theme of this years’ competition is “Life Below Water” and entrants must capture marine life at one of the five Aquatic Reserves on the Northern Beaches.

Both leading, emerging and young photographers are all encouraged to share their fascination with the underwater world as the more that people know about what is under the water, the more likely they are to protect it.

The eight categories will share in a $4,400 prize pool and include:

• Overall Winner
• Underwater Seascapes (wide angle)
• Faces from our Five Aquatic Reserves
• Marine Animal Behaviour
• Macro Marine Life
• Human Connection
• Youth (18 - 24 years)
• Reels (15 - 30 secs)

The People’s Choice Award will be voted online from Nov 6 – Nov 19, 2023.

Entries close 11.59pm on Monday 23 October 2023

Want more info? Visit our website and dive in and start snapping!

We’ll keep you posted on the line up of activities for the 30th Ocean Festival but here is a sneak peek - Science at the Steyne, Dive for Debris, Rock Platform Rambles, the winners of the UNDERWATER! 2023 Photo Competition, Guided Snorkel Tours, SUP Safaris, coast walks, talks and much more.