This photo of a goby hiding in soft coral – titled Red Carpet – was among the winners of the recent Ocean Art Safe Under the Sea underwater photography contest, organised by the Underwater Photography Guide in the US.

Despite the adversity we all face today, the organisers noted, the Safe Under the Sea contest brought people from around the world together to share the beauty of our oceans, and help the World Health Organistion (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in their fight to improve the health of the planet and its people.

The Underwater Photography Guide was able to donate 25% of the proceeds, translating to thousands of dollars, to WHO and CDC in their fight against Covid-19.

Yatwai So took the shot of the goby off the coast of Batangas in the Philippines. The image scored second place in the competition’s ‘macro’ category. “The goby,” said Yatwai, “looked like a VIP walking along the luxury red carpet.”

Other winning images include raw, dramatic underwater moments with magnificent creatures, rare marine life behaviour, stunning portraits of miniature worlds, curious pinnipeds, eerie shipwrecks, strange critters, and many photos that showcase the prevailing beauty of our underwater world. The judges evaluated thousands of entries from 79 countries.

The Best of Show winning image conveys a special message of hope for the future of our planet’s unique biodiversity. The photo – Releasing Hope – captured by photographer Edwar Herreno, shows marine biologist, Eduardo Espinosa releasing a tagged hammerhead pup in the Galapagos Islands, part of a unique shark nursery.

Underwater Photography Guide publisher, Scott Gietler commented: “The images from this special competition, especially the winning conservation image, represent hope. Hope for our oceans, hope for our travel and dive industries ravaged by Coronavirus, and hope that our nations can come together.”