FINAL_r_Issue 9_Focus from the AOP_September 2026 - Flipbook - Page 47
ANTARCTICA — Expedition photographer Tamara Stubbs has been
awarded Highly Commended in the Ocean Wildlife category at the
Ocean Photographer of the Year 2026 awards for her image of
resting Crabeater seals in Antarctica.
Captured in the Weddell Sea near the historic final coordinates of
Sir Ernest Shackleton’s ship Endurance, Stubbs’ photograph depicts
two Crabeater seals surfacing together amidst broken sea ice. The
moment highlights the subtle, often unseen behaviors of polar
marine life, accompanied by the quiet sound of snoring seals
echoing across the water.
As an advocate for marine conservation, Stubbs focuses her work
on bringing remote, vulnerable ecosystems to light.
"As a passionate advocate for protecting what most of us don't see,
being selected as a finalist means a lot to me," says Stubbs. "My
personal journey has been about learning to appreciate the ocean
and fall in love with its wildlife, and I hope this image inspires
others to do the same."
To view more of her portfolio, visit www.tamarastubbs.com or
follow @Tamara_Stubbs on Instagram.
