Overall Winner: “Wide Open” by James Ferrara, USA
Each year, the Underwater Awards Australasia unveils the ocean’s hidden beauty through captivating photography, and the 2025 winners have delivered stunning images that celebrate marine life and underwater storytelling.
Photographers competed across nine diverse categories, showcasing not only technical mastery but also the emotional depth and vulnerability of the ocean’s inhabitants. James Ferrara earned the prestigious “Best of Show” for his remarkable image in the International Waters category, a work that blends scientific intrigue with artistic brilliance. The competition continues to spotlight conservation and creativity, reminding us that underwater photography is a powerful lens into the fragile wonders beneath the waves.
More: Underwater Awards Australasia
Sharks – Gold: “Sunbather in the Shallows” by Vadim Belakhov, Australia
Sharks – Silver: “Oceanic Whitetip/Parata” by Sina Ritter, Germany
Sharks – Bronze: “The Shy Hunter” by Megan Shea-Graff, United Kingdom
Conservation – Gold: “Crocodile and Plastic Bottle” by Neil Vincent, Australia
Conservation – Silver: “Hope” by Angelina Pilarinos, Australia
Conservation – Bronze: “Unnatural Raft” by PJ Aristorenas, Philippines
Sydney – Gold: “The Conductor” by Talia Greis, Australia
Sydney – Silver: “The Exchange” by Daniel Sly, Australia
Sydney – Bronze: “Tiny Cleaner” by William Gladstone, Australia
Australian – Gold: “Minke Elegance” by Marcia Riederer, Australia
Australian – Silver: “Entourage” by Laura Gourgas, Australia/France
Australian – Bronze: “Freshwater Life” by Andrew Watson, Australia
International Waters – Silver: “Japanese Jellyfish” by Luc Rooman, Belgium
International Waters – Bronze: “Emerald Sanctuary” by Maryline Renault, Singapore
Portfolio – Gold: “Ningaloo: A Living Tapestry” by Jake Wilton, Australia
Portfolio – Silver: “Edge of Two Worlds” by Gabriel Guzman, Chile/Australia
Portfolio – Bronze: “The Great Southern Reef” by Lewis Burnett, Australia
Smartphone/Action Cam – Gold: “Green Turtle Stack” by Luciano Morales Corinaldesi, Argentina
Smartphone/Action Cam – Silver: “Shaun the Sheep” by Sean Elliott, Australia
Smartphone/Action Cam – Bronze: “Say Cheese” by Marco Luciani, Italy
Tough TG – Gold: “Mosely’s Glistening Brood” by Imogen Manins, Australia
Tough TG – Silver: “Emergence” by Emma Brown, Australia
Tough TG – Bronze: “Slow and Steady Wins the Race” by Marco Luciani, Italy