Now for something completely different - at least for most Wetpixel readers: a deepwater photography contest.  “As part of the 11th International Deep-Sea Biology Symposium, to be held at the National Oceanography Centre, Southampton on 9 – 14th July 2006, a flagship underwater image and video competition is being launched. The competition, sponsored by BP and Kongsberg Maritime, will seek entries in 5 categories with the aim of showcasing the best biological and technical images and video clips from the deep sea. Entries from industry, scientists, support staff and professional photographers are all welcomed.”  Wetpixel readers will be pleased to read that entries will NOT become property of the contest organization and will only be used for promotional purposes.  This competetion is being held under the auspices of S.E.R.P.E.N.T - the Scientific and Environmental ROV Partnership Using Existing Industrial Technology. 

Submissions are sought which capture the marine environment and its exploration in dramatic, informative and dynamic ways. In particular those which use new techniques and technology that challenge the normal way we view the ocean.

The five categories for submissions are:

Underwater Images (>200m depth)
These can include images taken from ROVs, AUVs, manned submersibles, landers and drop / bounce cameras

Technical Underwater Images (>200m depth)
These can include images taken with swath bathymetry, side-scan sonar, scanning sonar, acoustics or anything else that does not use a conventional camera system

Microscopic / specimen images of deep-sea species or features
We recognise it is not always possible to view the smallest components of the ocean in the field and therefore we are looking for the best microscope and specimen photography undertaken in the laboratory of species collected deeper than 200m

Fieldwork / experimental set-up / vessels & vehicles / equipment
Images of the equipment used in deep-sea exploration and research, e.g. submersibles at work, specimen sampling, or research platforms at sea (vessels, ROVs, ships, sampling gear). We stress they must tell a novel or unique story and be visually appealing

Prizes

Each category will have 3 main cash prizes. 1st = £500, 2nd =£300, 3rd = £200.

In additional the panel will also decide upon 1 special contribution that did not win an individual prize but provided a worthy contribution to the competition and marine science.
Exhibition

All images will be viewed as part of the 11th International Deep-Sea Biology Symposium, 9-14th July 2006, Southampton, UK, with the winning entries being displayed in a local gallery during the week of the symposium. The best images will be displayed as part of media coverage of the Symposium and in a special publication showcasing the winning and highly commended entries. Images may also appear on the website for promotion of the competition.

Judging Panel

Chair To be announced
Dr Alexander Mustard – OceanInsight
Dr Martin Angel – National Oceanography Centre, Southampton
Professor Ed Hill – Director, National Oceanography Centre, Southampton
Dave Mackay – General Manager, Kongsberg Maritime LTD
Barbara Peen – Editor, BP Magazine