The winners of the University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science underwater photography contest have been announced. The best overall photograph was shot by Audrey Shpatak of a Japanese warbonnet in Rudnaya Bay, Japan.

Press Release

MIAMI – April 22, 2015 – More than 500 underwater images were submitted for the 2015 Annual Underwater Photography Contest hosted by the University of Miami (UM) Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science. The ‘best overall’ photograph was submitted under the Fish or Marine Animal Portrait category and was shot off Rudnaya Bay, Japan Sea. The photo by Audrey Shpatak is of a Japanese War Bonnet fish (Chirolophis japonicas). A panel of experts, including photographer and UM lecturer Myron Wang, underwater photographer Nicole Wang and Rosenstiel School Research Assistant Professor Evan D’Alessandro judged the photos which came from 10 countries and 15 U.S. states. Awards were given in four categories: macro, fish or marine animal portrait, wide angle, and best overall submission. The School also recognized the best UM student photo, which was of a Great Hammerhead (Sphyrna mokarran), taken by Laura Rock in Bimini, Bahamas.

The underwater photography contest is held annually, and is open to all amateur photographers who earn no more than 20 percent of their income from their photography. To view the winners of this year’s contest, visit http://www.rsmas.miami.edu/outreach/underwater-photography/2015-winners/

The ‘best overall’ prize is a trip on Blackbeard’s Cruises departing from Freeport, Bahamas. This year’s ‘best UM student photos’ were sponsored by Divers Direct.

Find a gallery of images here.