Stunning images that won the Underwater Photographer Of The Year competition

Showcasing some of the most stunning images captured beneath the depths in the UK and around the world, the annual competition receives thousands of entries from talented photographers.

“Selecting the winners is enjoyable, but also pressured,” said Alex Mustard, this year’s chair of the jury. “We’re all well aware that nobody’s work is judged as meticulously as the judges!”

Here are the award-winning images that made the final cut.

Underwater Photographer Of The Year 2016

This photo also took the honours in the macro category.

British Underwater Photographer Of The Year 2016

Also winner of the British Waters Macro category.

Up And Coming Underwater Photographer Of The Year 2016

Most Promising British Underwater Photographer 2016

Here are the winners from specific categories.

Wide Angle

Wrecks

Behaviour

British Waters Wide Angle

British Waters Compact

And here are some spectacular shots that were shortlisted.

In the Up And Coming category…

‘Bass’ by Oliver Anlauf (Germany)

‘The Majestic Purple Dame’ by Pier Mane (South Africa)

In the Wide Angle category…

‘Seven’ by Mathieu Foulquié (France)

‘Blue ballet’ by Damien Mauric (UK)

‘Icebreaker’ by Tobias Friedrich (Deutschland)

‘Beach Guardians’ by Alejandro Prieto (Mexico)

In the Macro category…

‘Lightning’ by Adriano Morettin (Italy)

‘Pelagic Octopus at Night’ by Helen Brierley (US)

‘The odd couple’ by Gianni Colucci (Italia)

‘Timeless Moment!’ by Behnaz Afsahi (Canada)

‘Goby on a Sea Pen’ by Ross Gudgeon (Australia)

In the Wrecks category…

‘The Tank’ by Saeed Rashid (United Kingdom)

In the Behaviour category…

‘What Feeds Beneath’ by Alejandro Prieto (Mexico)

In the British Waters Compact category…

‘Pike on the move’ by Trevor Rees (UK)

‘Tompot looking out’ by Trevor Rees (UK)

In the British Waters Macro category…

‘Intruder beware’ by Cathy Lewis (UK)

‘Planktonic Predator’ by George Stoyle (UK)

In the British Waters Wide Angle category…

‘Pike in quarry’ by Trevor Rees (UK)

‘Elan valley trout in winter’ by Trevor Rees (UK)

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