Submitted by SeaDoc

The SeaDoc Society staff are excited to announce the launch of their first “Salish Sea in Focus” photography contest. The aim is to showcase the Salish Sea marine ecosystem from the photographer’s perspective. They will accept submissions through June 4.

The competition offers more than $6,000 in cash prizes including a $1,000 overall grand prize. The top 100 photos will be featured on an IMAX screen at a gala at the Pacific Science Center in Seattle on Oct. 4. The contest is open to photographers of all skill levels.

The contest will be judged by three of the region’s most celebrated photographers Amy Gulick, Cristina Mittermeier and Kevin Shafer.

The Salish Sea is an inland sea that encompasses Puget Sound, the San Juan Islands and the waters off of Vancouver, British Columbia. Staff are looking for photos taken above and below the water.

Photo categories:

Birds and Mammals of the Salish Sea: wild birds and mammals of the Salish Sea marine ecosystem.

Fish of the Salish Sea: marine and anadromous, which means migrating up rivers to spawn, i.e. salmon, underwater, intertidal or at the surface

‘Scapes of the Salish Sea: Salish Sea vistas of all varieties including underwater, seascapes, shorescapes and landscapes

Invertebrates, plants and kelp of the Salish Sea: any of the more than 3,000 marine invertebrates of the Salish Sea, underwater or intertidal

People of the Salish Sea: humans interacting with the ecosystem, like swimming, boating, diving, wildlife watching, diving, beach combing, fishing, and more.

Find more information at seadoc.contestvenue.com.