Julien Anton won Oceanographic Magazine’s “Ocean Photographer of the Year 2026” award with this photo.
An adult seahorse pictured with newly born juveniles in the shallow seaweed-filled waters of Moorea, French Polynesia. Although they are unlikely to be related, their arrangement creates the impression of a farewell, as if the tiny seahorses are gathering around a father after he has released them into the world.
For more amazing oceanic photos in a variety of categories:
https://oceanographicmagazine.com/opa-winner/ocean-photographer-of-the-year-2026-julien-anton/