Results announcedOceanographic Magazine

Ocean Photographer of the Year 2026

Ocean Photographer of the Year, published by London's Oceanographic Magazine in partnership with Blancpain, is the leading global award for marine, coastal, and ocean-environment photography. The contest receives roughly 15,000 entries annually across nine categories and exhibits winners internationally, including a US premiere at Alameda Point. The 2026 cycle has been judged. The rules emphasize ethical capture and natural-world non-interference; generative AI is not separately named in the public summary but is incompatible with those principles.

AI banned
Deadline
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Entry fee
Entry fee structure not surfaced in publicly indexed sources
Official siteRead full rules

Authenticity policy

AI policy

Manipulation of the natural world is NOT acceptable, and all entrants confirm that all images were taken naturally, without interference with wildlife.

RAW files

Not specified

Editing rules

The Ocean Photographer of the Year rules focus on ethical capture and limited post-processing; generative AI is not explicitly named but is incompatible with the rule that all images be taken naturally without interference, which an editor should confirm against the live rules page. Roughly 15,000 entries are received each year across nine categories.

Verified on June 12, 2026

Frequently asked questions

Does Ocean Photographer of the Year 2026 allow AI-generated images?
No. Ocean Photographer of the Year 2026 does not permit AI-generated images in its competition entries.
How much does it cost to enter Ocean Photographer of the Year 2026?
Entry fee structure not surfaced in publicly indexed sources

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