Organised by: SUBMARINER Network under the Blue4All project and Blue4All Partner Organizations
About the Contest
This Europe-wide photography contest invites all individuals to reflect on their personal connection to the ocean and showcase what marine protection means to them. Oceans and seas play a vital role in sustaining life on Earth, and marine protected areas (MPAs) are essential tools for conserving biodiversity and ensuring long-term sustainability. Everyone is invited to submit photographs that highlight the beauty, value, and need for protecting Europe's marine and coastal environments. Whether it’s a quiet moment by a stormy shore, marine life glimpsed on a dive, or a powerful seascape that evokes your connection to the sea, we want to see the world through your lens.
How to Participate
Submit up to 3 photographs. Each entry must be submitted individually through the online submission form.
Deadline: 26 August 2025, 23:59 CET
Participation is free of charge. Each submission must include:
- A high-resolution photo (preferably 300dpi or higher; JPG or PNG format; max 10MB)
- A title and short description (max 150 words)
- Your name, country the picture was taken in, and email address.
Prizes:
One winner will be selected from each of the five European sea basins: North Sea, Baltic Sea, Atlantic & Arctic, Mediterranean Sea, Black Sea. Up to 30 photos will be selected for the 2026 Marine Protection Calendar and included in a travelling exhibition across 10 MPA sites in Europe.
All five sea basin winners will receive:
- A printed copy of the marine protection calendar
- A sustainable bracelet made out of recycled fishing nets from https://bracenet.net/en-eu/collections/grossenverstellbare-armbander
Jury & Selection:
Submissions will be reviewed in a two-stage process: Bracenet Pre-selection: All entries are screened for eligibility and theme relevance.
Jury Evaluation: A jury of five members from B4A-affiliated organisations will evaluate the photos.
Evaluation Criteria:
- Relevance to Theme – Does the photo reflect marine protection or a personal connection to the sea?
- Visual Impact – Is the image aesthetically powerful or emotionally engaging?
- Originality & Creativity – Is the perspective unique or unexpected?
- Technical Quality – Composition, clarity, lighting, focus.
- Caption/Description – Does the text enhance understanding or add depth?
Questions?
For any inquiries, please contact: