Underwater photographers are being invited to share their favourite ocean images as entries open for the 2026 REEF Discover the Sea Underwater Photography Contest.
Organised by the Reef Environmental Education Foundation (REEF), the annual competition is free to enter and open to ocean photographers, with entrants able to submit up to three images in each category.
This year’s five categories are Fish Portrait, Macro, Invertebrates, Comedy and Habitat/Seascape/Environment. The latter can also include marine-focused images taken above the surface, including over-under shots, mangroves and other waterscapes.
Winning images will be decided by an online public vote later in September, with first, second and third places awarded in each category.
REEF staff will then select an Overall Winner from the winning photographs, who will receive a voucher covering the REEF fee for one of the organisation’s Field Survey Trips, worth between $350 and $400.
Whether your speciality is tiny macro subjects, characterful fish portraits, spectacular underwater scenery or those unexpected moments that make you laugh behind your mask, it could be time to delve into the archives and find your favourites.
Full information can be found here: https://www.reef.org/photocontest
Jane MorganJane’s lifelong love for the ocean began in childhood and has shaped the course of her life and career. After learning to dive in 1991, she spent much of the '90s teaching scuba and working on marine conservation projects in the Philippines and Borneo. A chance encounter with a film camera on a dive trip to Egypt in 2001 ignited a passion for underwater photography, inspiring her to leave the corporate world and pursue a full-time career in dive travel and photojournalism.
Since then, her work has been published in a wide range of national and international magazines, books, and newspapers. She has filmed underwater for the BBC, judged major photography competitions, and received numerous accolades—including the prestigious Plongeur d'Or at the Festival Mondial de l'Image Sous-Marine. In 2009, Jane became a freelance photojournalist, and in 2011 completed a BA (Hons) in Marine and Natural History Photography at Falmouth University, where she now works as a Dive Safety Officer.
Based in Cornwall, Jane dives locally year-round and is passionate about showcasing the rich marine life found in UK waters. As a proud ambassador for Dynamic Nord and Fathoms Free, she actively supports marine conservation initiatives and advocates for ocean protection through her storytelling.
In her newest role with Scubaverse, Jane combines her love of travel, diving, and storytelling—sharing experiences from around the world to inspire others to explore, protect, and connect with the underwater world.
