Creativity and research combine in “Capturing the Oceanscape” photography and sound competition
The Southampton Marine and Maritime Institute (SMMI) has announced the winners of its inaugural Capturing the Oceanscape: Images and Sounds competition, celebrating the creativity and diversity of marine and maritime research across the University and beyond.
The competition invited submissions from the University of Southampton and beyond to capture original images and sound recordings that showcased marine and maritime research, fieldwork, innovation, education, and lived experience in working to address the challenges facing our oceans. Entries spanned six categories:
- Ocean Arts, Humanities & Communities (Winner – Josie Sengers Gray)
- Ocean Life & Environments (Image Winner – Aaron Rudy / Sound Winner – Cassia Wilson)
- Ocean Use & Sustainability in Shipping (Winner – Avanthika Kamath)
- Ocean Law, Policy and Social Impact (Winner – Bastian Hambach)
The winning entries were selected for their creativity, quality, and ability to communicate the breadth of marine and maritime research taking place across the University of Southampton.
The competition highlighted the many ways researchers, students, and members of the wider SMMI community engage with the ocean, from scientific discovery and technological innovation to cultural heritage, environmental stewardship, and policy.
Among this year’s winners was postgraduate researcher Avanthika Kamath, whose image won the Ocean Use & Sustainability in Shipping category. Reflecting on her submission, she said:
“I decided to submit an image that I captured during my fieldwork at Mangaluru Fishing Harbour in India. It shows the diverse, colourful catch arranged in equally colourful baskets, ready for the morning auction at the harbour. I titled the image Borrowed Nourishment because I wanted to highlight the idea that sustainability is ultimately about sustaining both lives and livelihoods. At the same time, it’s a reminder that we are only borrowing from nature for our nourishment. I hope the image encourages people to think about being more mindful of what we take, how we take it, and how we can give back to ensure marine resources remain available for future generations.”
Bastian Hambach, Manager of the Stable Isotope Laboratory in the School of Ocean and Earth Science, won the Ocean Law, Policy & Social Impact category. He captured his winning image while undertaking water and sediment sampling as part of an international polar research project. He said:
“During the summer months off the Greenland coast, the persistent fog is a typical weather phenomenon, creating an almost eerie atmosphere with the midnight sun in the background as the ship glides through the ice floes.”
Take a look at more winning submissions below:
Ocean Arts, Humanities & Communities – Winner: Josie Sengers Gray
Ocean Life & Environments – Winner: Aaron Rudy (image) and Cassia Wilson (sound)
The winning images and sound recording will be showcased across SMMI communications, helping to bring marine and maritime research to wider audiences through powerful visual and audio storytelling.
Visit the SMMI SharePoint site to find out more about the Institute’s latest research, events, and opportunities to get involved.
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