In the Domain of Neptune: the Underwater Kingdom in the photos of the 2019 Underwater Photographer of the Year contest

The depths of the sea are fraught with many secrets. Huge monsters, strange plants and unusual fish live in their own world, where strangers are not always allowed. Photos of the participants of the underwater photography contest give an opportunity to take a look at the stunning expanse at a depth of tens of meters.

See the best works of underwater photographers further.

More than 5,000 photographs from all over the world were sent to the contest. A strict jury considered them in 13 different categories, determining the winning photographers in each group, and then chose the best of the best.

Take a look at the colorful and amazing photos of the best contestants.1."Turtle". Long-headed sea turtles spend most of their time in the deep waters of the ocean. They migrate long distances, so they often fall into dangerous traps. This unfortunate woman got entangled in a fishing net, but she was lucky: the photographers released her in time and captured her for memory.

2. "My place is under the boat." The photographer captured the silhouette of his beloved in the sea waters of Croatia.

3. "In the spotlight". Romblon in the Philippines is the residence of the unique sea slug Cyerce nigra. This handsome man attracted the photographer's attention with his unusual shape and glowing "wings".

4. "Tiger wave". The cardinal fish is a predator with sharp teeth. They are interesting because the eggs are guarded by males, while the females forage for food.

10. "Oh, no, Godzilla!". A cute marine iguana that lives near the Galapagos Islands charmed the photographer.

The underwater kingdom has its own laws and regulations. Anyone who violates these boundaries without asking is often punished. The unusual beauty at the bottom of the sea is fascinating, but humanity needs to do everything to preserve it in its original form. If you do not take care of nature, then our descendants will be able to admire this beauty only in photographs.