Sydney, Australia – The third edition of the Underwater Awards Australasia has culminated in a spectacular announcement of its 2026 winners, recognizing the exceptional talent of marine photographers across Oceania and beyond. The prestigious competition, which spotlights the unique and often unseen beauty of the aquatic world, celebrated its champions during a vibrant awards ceremony held on September 5th at the Go Diving Show ANZ in Sydney. A total prize pool amounting to 70,000 Australian dollars (approximately $50,000 USD) underscored the significant value placed on this specialized art form.
Taking the coveted "Best of Show" title and winning the Reels Showcase category was Kat dos Remedios for her captivating short film, ‘Dragon,’ a poignant tribute to the elusive weedy sea dragon. Her work stood out among a strong field of entries across nine distinct categories, each designed to capture various facets of underwater photography and videography. Other celebrated category winners include Annika Dahlberg for Conservation, Talia Greis for Sydney, Jake Wilton for Australian, Simone Caprodossi for International Waters, Giacomo Marchione for Portfolio, Enrico Somogyi for Smartphone/Action Cam, Qian Kun for Tough TG, and Tom Healy for Only Water. The winning entries, which collectively offer a breathtaking panorama of marine life and seascapes, were showcased in an exhibition of high-quality metal prints, providing attendees with an immersive visual experience.
A Deep Dive into the Awards’ Significance
The Underwater Awards Australasia, now in its third successful year, has rapidly established itself as a pivotal platform for marine photographers in the Oceania region. Organized by leading entities in the underwater imaging world – DivePhotoGuide (DPG), Underwater Australasia, and UW Images – the competition’s mission extends beyond mere recognition. It serves as a vital conduit for raising awareness about marine conservation, fostering artistic excellence, and inspiring a deeper appreciation for the planet’s vast and fragile underwater ecosystems.
Oceania, with its unparalleled biodiversity, including the iconic Great Barrier Reef, the rich temperate waters of southern Australia, and the myriad of Pacific island nations, represents a global hotspot for marine life. This region presents both extraordinary opportunities and unique challenges for underwater photographers. The awards acknowledge the dedication required to navigate complex underwater environments, master specialized equipment, and patiently capture fleeting moments of marine magic. By focusing on local and international talent, the competition reinforces Australasia’s standing as a hub for cutting-edge underwater imaging and a critical voice in global marine advocacy. The consistent growth and increasing prize pool of the awards signal a healthy and expanding community of artists committed to documenting the world beneath the waves.
Categories and the Art of Underwater Storytelling
The competition’s structure, with its nine diverse categories, is meticulously designed to celebrate the full spectrum of underwater imaging. Each category presents unique artistic and technical challenges, encouraging photographers to push the boundaries of their craft.
The Pinnacle of Achievement: Reels Showcase and Best of Show
Kat dos Remedios’s triumph with ‘Dragon’ in the Reels Showcase, and subsequently as the "Best of Show" overall winner, underscores the growing importance of dynamic storytelling in underwater imaging. Short films, or reels, offer an immersive experience, allowing viewers to witness marine life in motion, capturing behaviors and environments that still images, while powerful, cannot fully convey. The technical demands of underwater videography – including managing light, currents, buoyancy, and animal interaction over extended periods – are immense, making this category a true test of skill and vision. The weedy sea dragon, a master of camouflage and an emblematic species of Australian waters, provides an ideal subject for such an evocative narrative.
Photography for a Cause: The Conservation Category
Annika Dahlberg’s winning image in the Conservation category, depicting a young humpback whale entangled in thick ropes, serves as a stark and powerful reminder of humanity’s impact on marine ecosystems. Conservation photography is not merely about aesthetic appeal; it’s a call to action. Such images are instrumental in global efforts to protect marine life, highlighting critical issues like plastic pollution, ghost fishing gear, and habitat destruction. The story behind Dahlberg’s photograph – the eventual freeing of the juvenile whale by local authorities and a "brave diver" – adds a layer of hope and underscores the importance of human intervention and rescue efforts. These photographs often become crucial tools for scientific research, policy advocacy, and public education campaigns, making this category profoundly impactful.
Showcasing Local Wonders: Australian and Sydney Categories
The Australian category winner, Jake Wilton, presented a mesmerizing image of two bottlenose dolphins cooperatively herding a tightly packed school of parrotfish. This photograph not only showcases the incredible intelligence and coordinated hunting strategies of marine predators but also highlights the vibrant and diverse marine life found in Australia’s extensive coastal waters. From the tropical wonders of the north to the cooler, biodiverse southern reefs, Australia offers an unparalleled canvas for underwater photographers.
Similarly, the Sydney category, won by Talia Greis, brings a localized focus to the competition. Her image of a clingfish riding on the back of a weedy seadragon reveals the intricate micro-ecosystems thriving within Sydney’s surprisingly rich harbor and coastal waters. This category acknowledges that world-class underwater photography isn’t confined to remote reefs but can be found in close proximity to major urban centers. Greis’s capture beautifully illustrates commensal relationships, where one species benefits without harming or benefiting its host, a common yet often overlooked aspect of marine ecology.
Global Perspectives: The International Waters Category
Simone Caprodossi’s win in the International Waters category with an image of whale sharks in the Gulf of Tadjoura, Djibouti, extends the competition’s reach beyond Australasian shores. This category allows photographers from the region to share their experiences from diverse global marine environments, demonstrating their versatility and adventurous spirit. Whale sharks, the largest fish in the ocean, are migratory species, and photographs like Caprodossi’s contribute to understanding their movements and advocating for their protection across various jurisdictions. The image itself, featuring three of these gentle giants amidst a shimmering school of fish in deep, dark waters, is a testament to the awe-inspiring grandeur of the open ocean.
Mastering the Art: The Portfolio Category
Giacomo Marchione’s win in the Portfolio category, featuring deep-sea creatures such as a transparent glass-like octopus and a striking paper nautilus, emphasizes the importance of a cohesive body of work. A portfolio demonstrates a photographer’s consistent vision, technical proficiency, and ability to tell a broader story through multiple images. Deep-sea photography presents unique challenges, requiring specialized lighting, remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), or advanced diving techniques to explore environments where light barely penetrates. Marchione’s images bring to light the bizarre and beautiful inhabitants of these mysterious realms, expanding our understanding of life in the abyss.
Democratizing Underwater Imagery: Smartphone/Action Cam and Tough TG
The inclusion of categories like Smartphone/Action Cam, won by Enrico Somogyi for his ghost pipefish image, and Tough TG, awarded to Qian Kun for a clownfish shot, reflects the evolving landscape of underwater photography. These categories acknowledge that high-quality imagery is no longer solely the domain of expensive DSLR or mirrorless systems. Advances in smartphone camera technology, coupled with innovative underwater housings and accessory lenses like Nauticam’s ‘bugeye’ lens used by Somogyi, have democratized the art form, making it accessible to a wider audience. Similarly, the Olympus Tough TG series, known for its ruggedness and underwater capabilities, has a dedicated following, and Qian Kun’s vibrant clownfish image, with the subtle presence of a dive boat above, perfectly exemplifies the capabilities of these compact cameras. These categories encourage new talent and demonstrate that passion and skill can transcend equipment limitations.
Abstract Beauty: The Only Water Category
Tom Healy’s winning image in the Only Water category, a captivating wave formation off the south coast of New South Wales captured at sunrise, highlights the artistic potential of abstract water photography. This category moves beyond marine life to explore the raw, dynamic beauty of the ocean itself. It demands a keen eye for light, texture, and composition, transforming familiar elements into breathtaking works of art. Healy’s photograph captures the golden light filtering through a curling barrel wave, evoking the power and serenity of the ocean at dawn.
Voices from the Depths: Reactions and Reflections
The announcement of the winners brought forth a wave of excitement and reflection from the participating artists, judges, and organizers.
Kat dos Remedios, expressing her delight at winning "Best of Show," stated, "I am incredibly honored to receive this recognition for ‘Dragon.’ My aim was to capture the ethereal beauty and delicate existence of the weedy sea dragon, a true gem of our Australian waters. I hope this film inspires viewers to feel a deeper connection to these incredible creatures and, in turn, to champion their protection."
Annika Dahlberg, reflecting on her powerful Conservation category win, shared, "My goal with the humpback whale entanglement image was to highlight the urgent and heartbreaking issue of marine pollution and its devastating impact. It serves as a powerful reminder of our collective responsibility to protect these magnificent animals and the oceans they inhabit. The successful rescue makes this image a symbol of hope and the critical role dedicated individuals play in conservation."
Jake Wilton commented on his dynamic dolphin shot, "Capturing such a synchronized moment between two bottlenose dolphins herding fish was an unforgettable privilege. It speaks volumes about the intelligence and cooperative spirit of marine life. This image represents the wild, untamed beauty that thrives beneath the surface of our Australian seas."
Talia Greis, celebrating her Sydney category win, remarked, "Sydney’s waters are teeming with unique macro life, and finding this clingfish perfectly positioned on a weedy seadragon was a truly special moment. It’s a testament to the hidden wonders that lie just offshore, proving that exploration doesn’t always require venturing to distant reefs."
Giacomo Marchione, whose portfolio captivated the judges, stated, "The deep sea holds so many mysteries, and my portfolio aims to bring these rarely seen wonders to light. I hope these images of transparent octopuses and paper nautiluses encourage greater curiosity and support for deep-ocean exploration and conservation."
Simone Caprodossi, on his International Waters triumph, shared, "Swimming alongside these gentle giants, the whale sharks, in Djibouti was a humbling and awe-inspiring experience. My photograph seeks to convey their majesty and highlight the global importance of protecting these migratory species and their critical habitats."
Enrico Somogyi, who demonstrated the power of compact technology, noted, "Winning the Smartphone/Action Cam category proves that incredible underwater photography isn’t solely dependent on the most expensive gear. Innovation in mobile accessories, like the ‘bugeye’ lens, is democratizing the art form and opening up the field to more enthusiasts."
Qian Kun, whose clownfish image secured the Tough TG win, added, "The Olympus Tough TG series offers rugged versatility for underwater shooting. This shot aimed to capture the vibrant life of a clownfish in its natural anemone home, with a subtle nod to the human presence that often hovers above these delicate ecosystems."
Tom Healy, whose abstract wave photograph won the "Only Water" category, reflected, "There’s an inherent beauty and raw power in water itself. This image, capturing a wave at sunrise off the New South Wales coast, is a tribute to the dynamic energy of the ocean and the ever-changing canvas it presents."
A representative from the organizing committee, Darren Jew from Underwater Australasia, commented, "The third edition of the Underwater Awards Australasia has truly surpassed all expectations. The sheer quality and diversity of the entries this year were phenomenal. We are immensely proud to provide a platform that not only celebrates the extraordinary talent within our region but also amplifies the urgent message of marine conservation. These images are more than just photographs; they are powerful narratives that connect us to the ocean."
Broader Currents: Impact and Future Implications
The Underwater Awards Australasia has far-reaching implications beyond the photographic community. Firstly, the emphasis on conservation through categories like Annika Dahlberg’s winning entry provides crucial advocacy. These images serve as visual evidence of environmental challenges and successes, influencing public opinion, informing policy decisions, and attracting funding for conservation initiatives. By showcasing the beauty and fragility of marine ecosystems, the awards cultivate a global stewardship ethic.
Secondly, the stunning visuals generated by the competition play a significant role in promoting marine tourism and ecotourism within Australasia. Images of vibrant coral reefs, majestic marine mammals, and unique endemic species inspire travelers and divers to explore the region responsibly, contributing to local economies and fostering a direct connection to marine environments. This economic incentive can, in turn, reinforce conservation efforts.
Thirdly, the awards foster a vibrant and growing community among underwater photographers. They provide a benchmark for excellence, encourage technical innovation, and facilitate knowledge sharing among professionals and amateurs alike. The inclusion of smartphone and action camera categories highlights the accessibility of underwater photography, welcoming new enthusiasts and diversifying perspectives.
Finally, the continuous evolution of the competition, as evidenced by its growth and the inclusion of new categories like Reels Showcase, suggests a dynamic future. As technology advances and environmental awareness grows, the Underwater Awards Australasia is poised to remain at the forefront of showcasing the wonders of the underwater world and advocating for its preservation for generations to come.
The Unseen World Revealed
The 2026 Underwater Awards Australasia stands as a testament to the profound power of imagery to connect humanity with the unseen wonders of our oceans. Through the lenses of these dedicated photographers, we are granted a privileged glimpse into a world that is both breathtakingly beautiful and increasingly vulnerable. The winning photographs and films are not merely static images; they are vibrant stories, urgent pleas, and inspiring calls to action, reminding us all of our shared responsibility to protect the blue heart of our planet.
