A macro photograph showing two tiny 'ladybugs of the sea' has earned Bali-based photographer Yury Ivanov the prestigious title of Ocean Photographer of the Year 2025. The winning image, captured at a dive site in Bali, reveals an intimate view of underwater life often unseen, highlighting the ocean's remarkable diversity.
Key Takeaways
- Yury Ivanov won the 2025 Ocean Photographer of the Year with an image of 'ladybugs of the sea.'
- The winning photo features two amphipods, each only 3 millimeters long, on coral.
- Over 15,000 entries were submitted to the annual competition.
- Jialing Cai received the Female Fifty Fathoms award for her pioneering work.
- The awards aim to connect people with the ocean and promote its protection.
Ivanov's Winning Shot
Yury Ivanov's photograph captures two amphipods from the Cyproideidae family. These creatures, commonly known as 'ladybugs of the sea,' measure approximately 3 millimeters in body length. They are shown resting on a coral, displaying striking colors and symmetry.
The image was taken in the waters off Bali, Indonesia. This location is known for its rich marine biodiversity. Ivanov's work required significant effort and technical skill to achieve the final result.
"It required a lot of patience and precision to compose and light the shot properly," Ivanov stated. "The result reveals an intimate glimpse of underwater life that is often overlooked."
Fact: Amphipods
- Amphipods are a type of small crustacean.
- They are found in marine and freshwater environments.
- Many species are scavengers, feeding on detritus.
- The 'ladybugs of the sea' are known for their vibrant colors.
The Ocean Photographer of the Year Contest
Oceanographic Magazine and Blancpain organize the Ocean Photographer of the Year contest annually. This competition showcases diverse perspectives on marine environments. The 2025 edition received more than 15,000 entries from photographers around the globe.
Ivanov, an experienced photographer and marine life expert, expressed his gratitude for the recognition. His win highlights the importance of observing and appreciating the smaller details of ocean ecosystems.
"Winning Ocean Photographer of the Year is an incredible feeling; I’m deeply grateful for the recognition," Ivanov commented. "This award is not just about one image, but about celebrating the ocean itself—its fragility, its diversity, and its extraordinary power to inspire us."
Contest Background
The Ocean Photographer of the Year competition aims to promote ocean conservation through visual storytelling. It encourages photographers to capture the beauty, mystery, and challenges facing marine life and environments. The contest provides a platform for both established and emerging talents.
Female Fifty Fathoms Award and Other Winners
Jialing Cai, the 2023 Ocean Photographer of the Year, received another significant honor this year. The Chinese photographer won the Female Fifty Fathoms award. This special award recognizes women who are pioneers in ocean photography.
Cai's nomination came from her peers, signifying her impact in the field. Her winning image for this category captured a juvenile wunderpus octopus in the Philippines. The octopus appeared almost ethereal, surrounded by various small zooplankton such as larval shrimps, crabs, and worms.
Other category winners also received recognition for their outstanding work. These images spanned various themes, from gravity-defying surfers to sharks caught in fishing nets. The diverse entries draw attention to both the beauty and the threats facing marine environments.
Highlighting Diverse Ocean Stories
The competition features several categories, each focusing on different aspects of ocean life and human interaction. These include Wildlife, Fine Art, Adventure, Young, Human Connection, and Conservation (Hope and Impact).
- Wildlife: Takumi Oyama won for a photo of a female yellow pygmy goby releasing larvae.
- Fine Art: Marcia Riederer captured a dwarf minke whale curiously observing the photographer in Australia.
- Adventure: Ben Thouard’s image depicted a rough day of surfing in Nazaré, Portugal.
- Human Connection: Craig Parry photographed people attempting to rescue a stranded humpback whale in Australia.
- Conservation (Hope): Sirachai Arunrugstichai showed an aquarist holding an early-stage embryo of an Indo-Pacific leopard shark in Thailand.
- Conservation (Impact): Hugo Bret captured a long-finned pilot whale fetus under its deceased mother in the Faroe Islands, highlighting the impact of hunting.
These images collectively serve a larger purpose beyond artistic appreciation. They aim to raise awareness about the state of the world's oceans.
Connecting People to the Ocean
The organizers emphasize the role of photography in fostering understanding and care for marine environments. Will Harrison, director of Ocean Photographer of the Year, highlighted this mission.
"The winners of this year’s Ocean Photographer of the Year remind us that photography is more than art—it is a bridge. Their images connect people to the ocean in ways words cannot, reaching those who may never dive in it or paddle on it, but whose lives are deeply intertwined with it. In a time of planetary urgency, this year’s photographers invite the world to see, feel, and ultimately care. Their work is critical, because we protect what we understand," Harrison explained.
The contest serves as a vital platform for conservation advocacy. By showcasing both the wonder and the challenges of the ocean, the photographs inspire viewers to engage with marine protection efforts. The images underscore the urgent need for global action to preserve these critical ecosystems.
The full gallery of finalists and winners is available on the Oceanographic Magazine website. Each photograph tells a unique story, contributing to a broader narrative about the ocean's significance and vulnerability.