Winning images will be recognized at the United Nations World Oceans Day 2020 virtual global conference on Monday, June 8th produced in partnership with Oceanic Global. The winners photos will also be published on the official UN World Oceans Day website www.unworldoceansday.org as well as on social media including the UN World Oceans Day Instagram @unworldoceansday.

This photo competition aims to inspire the creation of imagery capturing the beauty, the challenges and the importance of the ocean. Photography engages people from around the world across diverse cultures, geographies and generations. A powerful image can change people’s behaviors and encourage them to be active participants to promote change rather than merely bystanders.

“Our past encounters with marine life are now more cherished than ever before. So many of us around the world are longing to be in the water again and enjoying the beauty of our seas. Today we need to be reminded of how vital a resource the ocean is and how urgently we need to protect it for present and future generations. This photo competition not only showcases stunning photography but also reveals the emotional stories behind the images from people who are dedicated ocean ambassadors.”
-- Ellen Cuylaerts, Curator for the UN World Oceans Day Photo Competition

This year the competition has ten thematic categories for submissions including four new ones which include Innovation for a Sustainable Ocean, Rejuvenation, Digital Ocean Photo Art and Science in Action: Ocean Decade 2021- 2030. There is also a youth category for photographers under 18 years of age.

All participants are obliged to agree to a charter ensuring that they are committed to a code of ethics as it relates to the competition, and conservation rules will be strictly observed as flora and fauna should never be stressed or endangered for the sake of a photo. Participants must also commit to bringing education and awareness around their experiences to help preserve the oceans.

Dive Photo Guide (DPG) is hosting this year’s competition; the organization has been involved since the contest’s inception in 2014. All entries are required to be submitted by 12:00am Eastern Standard Time on May 3, 2020.

Countries globally have celebrated World Oceans Day since 1992, following the UN Conference on Environment and Development, held in Rio de Janeiro. In 2008, the UN General Assembly decided that June 8th would be officially designated by the UN as “World Oceans Day”. This day gives communities around the world the opportunity to raise global awareness on how critical it is to keep our oceans healthy and use its resources sustainably. UN World Oceans Day 2020 will focus on innovations for a sustainable ocean across categories including technology, systems infrastructure, resource management, consumer products, and scientific exploration.