Photograph: Galice Hoarau / Ocean Photography Awards
From plucky baby turtles to dazzling coral reefs, these are the best underwater photos of the year
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Sophie Dickinson Wednesday 22 September 2021The toothy grin of a lemon shark isn’t something most of us would like to get too close to. But that’s exactly what Galice Hoarau did when capturing this winning deep-sea shot off the coast of Florida. But actually, in the event, the shark ended up looking a lot less like Jaws and a whole load more, well, goofy.
The finalists of this year’s Ocean Photography Awards have snapped wildlife worldwide – showcasing the most weird, colourful and fragile watery ecosystems across the globe. The winners are on display as part of an exhibition next to London Bridge, in the British capital. Here are some more of our favourites:
Like this zen turtle.
Photograph: Aimee Jan / Ocean Photography Awards
This colourful underwater meeting.
Photograph: Alex Kydd / Ocean Photography Awards
These intimate dragonet fish.
Photograph: Steven Kovacs / Ocean Photography Awards
This ambitious diver.
Photograph: Martin Broen / Ocean Photography Awards
This sunset-watching shark.
Photograph: Renee Capozzola / Ocean Photography Awards
This unhappy lizardfish.
Photograph: Steven Kovacs / Ocean Photography Awards
This determined turtle.
Photograph: Matty Smith / Ocean Photography Awards
This dramatic deep-sea scene.
Photograph: Alex Kydd / Ocean Photography Awards
This blooming coral forest.
Photograph: Alex Kydd / Ocean Photography Awards
And these curious penguin parents.
Photograph: Stefan Christmann / Ocean Photography Awards
Now check out our fave photos at the 2021 Wildlife Photographer of the Year awards.
Plus: here are the hilarious winners of the Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2021.