IOC-WESTPAC is accepting entries for its 2026 Photo Competition: Guardians of the Coral Reef

The competition this year features the following three categories and one special award. Each entrant may submit only one photograph to one category.

1. Community Guardians

Images featuring local communities, fishers, or volunteers protecting and restoring reefs.

Focus: Community action, teamwork, local and traditional knowledge in practice.

2. Science & Innovation Guardians

Images highlighting scientific research, innovative technologies, coral nurseries, restoration activities, and field studies.

Focus: Scientists and practitioners in action, restoration efforts, and technological innovation.

3. Nature's Guardians

Images capturing coral reefs' natural defenders-species interactions, biodiversity, and life on the reef that supports its health.

Focus: Marine life that sustains reef health (e.g. parrotfish, sea cucumbers, coralline algae).

Youth Photographer Special Award

Youth entrants (under 25 years of age as of 8 June 2026) are eligible to apply for the Youth Photographer Special Award. Each youth entrant can submit only one photograph to one of the competition's categories: Community Guardians, Science & Innovation Guardians, or Nature's Guardians.

The winners will be awarded cash prizes and certificates. Cash prizes will be awarded to the winners in each of the three main categories and the Youth Photographer Special Award. For each category/award, the first-place winner will receive USD 500, and the second- and third-place winners will each receive USD 200.