“Whale Bones.” Photo © Alex Dawson/UPY2024. All images courtesy of UPY, shared with permission

Below a darkened, ice-coated sea off the coast of Greenland, a brave diver encounters the enormous, skeletal remains of minke whales. Illuminating a historical and cultural practice, the spectral image by Alex Dawson won the 2024 Underwater Photographer of the Year contest, drawing attention to humanity’s impact on marine mammals.

This year’s contest was the most competitive to date, garnering 6,500 submissions from around the globe. Additional winners include JingGong Zhang’s image of hormonal Zoarchias major eelpouts sparring over nests during breeding season and a shot of a famished Mahi Mahi chomping on a sardine by Lisa Stengel.

Find more and the stories behind the photos on the UPY site.

“Mouth to Mouth.” Photo © JingGong Zhang/UPY2024. All images courtesy of UPY, shared with permission

“Lonesome Drifter.” Photo © Dennis Corpuz/UPY2024

“Set Sail.” Photo © Fabiana Fregonesi/UPY2024

“Attack from Above.” Photo © Jon Anderson/UPY2024

“Aquatic Primate.” Photo © Suliman Alatiqi/UPY2024

“Window of Opportunity.” Photo © Lisa Stengel/UPY2024

“Encircled.” Photo © Sarah O Gorman/UPY2024

“Divebomb.” Photo © Kat Zhou/UPY2024

“Singled Out.” Photo © James Lynott/UPY2024

“Saving Goliath.” Photo © Nuno Sá/UPY2024

Do stories and artists like this matter to you? Become a Colossal Member today and support independent arts publishing for as little as $5 per month. The article Dive Below the Surface with the Stunning Images of the 2024 Underwater Photographer of the Year appeared first on Colossal.

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