Since its inception in 2005, the contest has drawn several thousand entrants from across the globe and a collection of beautiful images. 

Judged by a panel of professional photographers and marine scientists, photographs are divided into five separate categories:

• Fish or Marine Animal Portrait
• Marine Conservation
• Macro                         
• Wide Angle
• UM Student
• Best overall

The competition is generously supported by Canon USA. The top prize is a trip on Blackbeard’s Cruises, departing from Nassau to the Exuma Cays, Bahamas (trip prizes do not include airfare, gratuities, port taxes, Bahamas Underwater National Park fees, gear rental, etc., and are subject to availability). There will also be monetary awards for those finishing in 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in each of the categories.

The Underwater Photography Contest is open to all amateur photographers who earn no more than 20 percent of their income from photography. Eligible photos must not have been published or accepted for publication and must be the original work of the submitter. No pool or aquarium shots will be accepted.