Prestigious and pioneering watchmaker, Blancpain, is the competition’s Main Partner for 2021. The partnership represents a continuation of the Swiss brand’s commitment to the pursuit of a healthier ocean. It also pays homage to the significant historical links Blancpain has with the ocean, having created the world’s first modern diving watch, the Fifty Fathoms, in 1953 – a landmark moment in its near 300-year history. Collaborations with ocean explorers, marine scientists and boundary-pushing underwater photographers have typified the 70 years since – as has the company’s support for ocean conservation initiatives, resulting in the protection of a staggering 1.2% of the ocean. The Ocean Photography Awards is the next addition to the brand’s rich ocean story.

For more information about Blancpain’s Ocean Commitment, visit www.blancpain-ocean-commitment.com.

There’s an adventure waiting for everyone in Western Australia is an extraordinary place. Remarkable ocean environments can be found along its 7,000 miles of coastline, from the pristine surrounds of Perth’s islands and beaches, to the including World Heritage-listed Shark Bay and Ningaloo, the world’s longest fringing reef. Islands, seagrass meadows, bays and reefs are protected by 17 marine parks where dolphins, manta rays, turtles and dugongs can be found in large numbers. Ocean adventures are part of everyday life, from world-class surf and sailing through horizontal waterfalls to encounters bucket-list adventures with whale sharks, and whales and orcas. Western Australia’s eco-certified tour operators and the State’s environment authorities are carefulconscious of their marine wonderland and its species; guests are educated on how to respectfully interact with all wildlife, including the spectacular ‘gentle giants’, whale sharks. Guests can also contribute to citizen science projects and many tours also support critical research whilst out in the field.

For more information on Western Australia, visit westernaustralia.com.

london bridge city

London Bridge City will host the Ocean Photography Awards exhibition in August, 2020 on a stunning section of the Queen’s Walk beside the River Thames, open to the public. With the historic Tower Bridge and iconic City Hall for neighbours, the exhibition space is very much in the beating heart of one of the world’s great cities, ready to welcome both Londoners and visitors from around the world.

For more information about London Bridge City, visit www.londonbridgecity.co.uk.