Submissions for the 2026 REEF Discover the Sea Underwater Photography Contest are now open! All ocean photographers are invited to submit their favorite photos. It’s free to enter, and you may submit up to three photos per person in each of the following categories:
• Fish Portrait: Portrait shots of fish only; may include the fish's whole body or be framed around the head only
• Macro: Close-up shots that make the subject appear "larger than life"
• Invertebrates: Photos featuring ocean life with no spine
• Comedy: Photos may include your best comedic photos, from weird faces, the worst photo bombs, to hilarious mishaps
• Habitat/Seascape/Environment: Photos of an ocean environment or seascape. They do not have to be underwater but must be marine-focused, such as over/under shots, mangroves, or topside water shots.
Submissions will be judged by a popular vote. Voting will be open online from September 20 - 30. There will be 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners in each category for the photo that receives the most votes. The winning photos and photographers will be announced after the voting has ended.
One photo will be selected by REEF staff from the winning entries as the Overall Winner. The Overall Winner will receive a voucher to waive the REEF fee for one of our Field Survey Trips, valued at $350–$400. *The trip must be booked within one year of the winning date.
Visit www.REEF.org/photocontest for rules, submission guidelines, and to see past years' winners.
Photo credits from L-R: Tom Anderson, Gabriel Jensen, Shuo-Wei Chang, Dana Kowalsick, Burak Evrenosoglu.