The following are winning entries in the Ocean Life category of our 2015 World Ocean Day photo contest. Please note that we may use any of the approximately 400 photos we received for this contest on our website and in other NOS publications. We will provide credit to photographers whenever we use any of the photos. We would like to thank all who participated.
Sea lions roar in unison on a pier in Crescent City Harbor, California. Credit: Jennifer Gaitan
A stingray at sunrise on a sandbar on Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands. Credit: Lois Hatcher
A swarm of Pacific sea nettles (Chrysaora fuscescens) envelope several divers near Hopkins Marine Station, California. Credit: Chad King
From the photographer: "Mackerel scad (Decapterus macarellus) clear the way for an adult great white shark (Carcharodon carcharias) as he swims near the surface off the coast of Mexico's Isla de Guadalupe biosphere reserve. The mackerel are quite good at 'photobombing' the sharks at Guadalupe and have ruined many a shot for me. Fortunately, for this shot, they provided some nice framing for the shark, instead." Credit: George T. Probst
From the photographer: "This Loggerhead turtle's photo was taken during a research project after I was awake all night surveying nesting mommies. The turtle was crossing Juno Beach (Florida) as the sun was rising in the background. We watched the turtle emerge from its nest and gently get swept away by the glistening waves." Credit: Veronica Runge