Ocean Photographer of the Year 2026 ANIVER6 - Oceanographic

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Finalist Human Connection Award: People & Planet Ocean

Anita Verde Baja Peninsula, Mexico

23.90009° N 111.61815° W

A giant oceanic sunfish (Mola mola) glides through the clear waters of Mexico's Baja Peninsula. Encountered during the final hour of a 2025 sardine run expedition, the unusually pale fish approaches the freedivers on its own, while soft sunlight gives it a moon-like glow. The unexpected meeting is a reminder that the ocean's most memorable moments often happen when least expected.

BEHIND THE LENS

Ocean Photographer of the Year 2026 ANIVER6

Anita Verde Australia

  • Follow Anita On Instagram

ABOUT THE IMAGE

  • Snorkle
  • Access by Boat
  • Nikon Z8 in SEACAM housing. Lens: NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S.
  • ISO: 2500, F: 8, SS: 1/1250 s

Anita Verde is a nature photographer and photojournalist from Melbourne, Australia who has a deep passion for our planet’s wild places. Over the years she has combined her love of photography with the art of storytelling to tell some of our planet's most important stories; raising awareness of the many challenges our wild ecosystems face. As one half of the duo at Summits to Seas and Field Editor for Dive Photo Guide, she has been awarded for her work both as a photographer and photojournalist, with her work regularly featuring in; scuba diving, nature, and travel related publications.

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