Whales hunting whales: Underwater world captured in 'Ocean Photographer of the Year' finalists

The "Ocean Photographer of the Year 2026" contest has unveiled its finalist images, offering a breathtaking glimpse into the underwater world. These photographs not only capture the visual splendor of marine life but also convey critical stories about our planet's oceans, which cover 71% of the Earth's surface.

Among the striking finalists is an image of a pod of orcas successfully hunting a baby humpback whale in Mexico's Pacific waters. The photo depicts the orcas emerging with their prey after a coordinated hour-long hunt, showcasing the intelligence and cooperative strategies of these apex predators. The context provided notes that the hunt also attracted cleaner fish like silky sharks, illustrating the interconnectedness of the marine food web.

Another compelling photograph shows a male blue crab in the Arabian Gulf off Kuwait, using its large claws to protect a female during mating. This behavior underscores the protective instincts during the breeding season, with the photographer carefully documenting the scene without disturbing the crabs.

The collection also features seal pups in the Falkland Islands learning to swim after being weaned, preparing them for survival in the ocean. Other images include dolphins feeding on fish discarded by fishermen in Indonesia, demonstrating adaptation to human activity, and a seal tearing into a ray while seabirds gather for scraps, illustrating a dynamic feeding scene. A particularly poignant shot captures a male Banggai cardinalfish releasing its hatched young from its mouth in Japan, highlighting paternal care in marine species. Finally, a scene of surfers and dolphins riding waves together in Sydney symbolizes a harmonious coexistence in shared ocean spaces.