The Biodiversity of the Mediterranean Stars in the 3rd OceanFest Underwater Photography Contest

The Oceanogràfic of Valencia was the setting for the awards ceremony of the 3rd Underwater Photography Contest of ‘OceanFest’, the initiative that highlights the image as a tool to raise awareness about the fragility and beauty of the Mediterranean.

During the event held last Sunday, the Oceanogràfic awarded the authors of the 24 finalist images for their ability to narrate, through the lens, the stories that live under the sea.

The contest has consolidated its proposal through four categories –OceanPop, OceanFree, OceanChange, and OceanBio– that reflect different perspectives of the marine universe, from aesthetics and biodiversity to its threats.

This year’s participation far exceeded that of previous editions, with more than 350 photographs submitted, which underscores the growing interest in the sea as a source of inspiration and environmental commitment.

Four first prizes

In the OceanPop category, focused on free themes and images taken with any device, the first prize went to David Marfill for “The Yawn”, a capture of an Anthias fish with its mouth open, taken in Sant Feliu de Guíxols. The image, in addition to its technical value, seduced the jury for the closeness it transmits, offering the viewer a spontaneous scene.

In OceanFree, which rewards technical and compositional freedom, the first prize went to Xavier Salvador Costa with “Alien, the eighth passenger”, an image of the crustacean Phronima sedentaria, whose appearance inspired Ridley Scott himself to create the feared xenomorph of Alien. The photograph, taken in open water, stands out for both its originality and the complexity of its narrative.

In OceanChange, a category focused on the human impact on the sea, Javier Murcia won the first prize thanks to “The Last Bite”, about the mortality of seabirds trapped in nets in the Mar Menor.

Finally, in OceanBio, intended to highlight biodiversity, Carlos Ortolá Orihuel obtained the highest recognition with “Mouth Full”, where he portrays an Apogon imberbis protecting its offspring inside its mouth, in the waters of Cap Negre (Xàbia). The scene reveals the reproductive behavior of this species endemic to the Mediterranean.

An exhibition for reflection

The jury, composed of photographers, marine biologists, and scientific communicators, highlighted the high technical and narrative level of the works.

Among the winners are established authors and emerging talents, united by their passion for the sea and their desire to tell what often goes unnoticed.

With its third edition, the ‘OceanFest’ photography contest consolidates its commitment to bringing the marine environment closer through photography. The contest demonstrates that a well-captured image can serve both to admire the beauty of the sea and to reflect on its conservation.