The Ocean Photographer of the Year 2026 commended Mexican diver and photographer Daniel Taylor for two powerful black-and-white images exposing shark bycatch in Baja California. One shows a silky shark entangled on an illegal longline; the other documents two dead sharks on a beach. Shot hours after Mexico’s seasonal fishing ban (May 1–July 31) lifted, the photos highlight the conflict between conservation goals and coastal livelihoods and call for sustainable income alternatives. The competition drew over 15,000 entries.
Black-and-White Images of Shark Bycatch Earn Commendation at Ocean Photographer of the Year
Credit: Daniel Taylor (courtesy of Ocean Photographer of the year)
The Ocean Photographer of the Year 2026 recognised striking images that do more than please the eye — they expose urgent conservation issues unfolding in the world’s oceans. Mexican diver, tour operator and underwater photographer Daniel Taylor was commended for two stark black-and-white frames that illuminate the tense intersection between coastal livelihoods and marine protection efforts in Baja California.
Images That Tell a Story
One photograph, commended in the Conservation (Impact) category, captures a silky shark appearing to circle "helplessly" while snagged on an illegal longline. The second shows the grim outcome for prized sharks: two animals lying side by side on a beach, their wounds from a final struggle clearly visible. Taylor says he shot both images in the hours after Mexico’s seasonal shark-fishing ban lifted.
Credit: Daniel Taylor (courtesy of Ocean Photographer of the year)
Context: Seasonal Ban and Illegal Longlines
To protect vulnerable shark and ray species during key reproductive months, the Mexican government introduced a seasonal fishing ban in 2012 that runs from May 1 to July 31. Despite the ban, longlines — extremely long main lines with hundreds or thousands of baited hooks — remain illegal because they drive severe overfishing and high levels of accidental bycatch.
People, Conservation and Livelihoods
Taylor emphasises he did not intend to "condemn" local fishers. Many Baja communities have depended on shark fishing for generations, and abrupt restrictions can cause serious economic harm. His aim is to surface the "complex relationship" between threatened wildlife and human livelihoods and to push for sustainable income alternatives for coastal communities.
Credit: Daniel Taylor (courtesy of Ocean Photographer of the year)
Technical Details
Image 1 (Silky Shark Entangled):
Credit: Daniel Taylor (courtesy of Ocean Photographer of the Year)
Camera: Canon EOS R
Lens: Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8
Housing: NA-R Nauticam underwater housing
Settings: ISO 800 | f/10 | 1/500 sec
Image 2 (Beach Aftermath):
Credit: Daniel Taylor (courtesy of Ocean Photographer of the Year)
Camera: Canon EOS 70D
Settings: ISO 100 | f/10 | 1/320 sec
About the Competition
The Ocean Photographer of the Year, organised by London-based Oceanographic Magazine and co-presented with Blancpain, aims to celebrate the sea and spotlight marine conservation. The 2026 awards were selected from more than 15,000 entries across multiple categories.
Taylor hopes the images will spark conversations and help channel support toward practical, sustainable alternatives that protect both marine life and the communities that depend on it.
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