The winners of the 11th annual Mangrove Photography Awards (MPA) have been announced. The contest, hosted by the U.S.-based Mangrove Action Project, showcases powerful photographic narratives highlighting the importance of one of the planet’s most vital ecosystems.
This year, a record-breaking 3,300 entries from 78 countries entered to win in one of six categories: wildlife, people, landscapes and threats, as well as underwater and conservation stories.
The 2025 overall winner features an aerial view of a roseate spoonbill (Platalea ajaja) flock flying above a lemon shark hunting mullet in Florida Bay’s shallow waters.
“Birds’ eye view of the hunt.” Image courtesy of Mark Ian Cook/MPA.
About the photo, contest judge Shin Arunrugstichai said in a statement: “What a scene! I love the convergence of all the elements in that exact moment. It clearly shows the diversity of life that … depends on the mangrove ecosystem.”
The “wildlife” category features images of crocodiles and crabs that one might expect, but also more elusive animals including tigers (Panthera tigris) in India’s Sundarbans, a proboscis monkey (Nasalis larvatus) in Indonesia and fireflies in the Philippines. One of the most heart-warming photos features a mother jungle cat (Felis chaus) snuggling her cub in the Indian Sundarbans.
“Mother’s protection.” Image courtesy of Satyaki Naha/MPA.
The winning image in the “threats” category by photographer Tom Quinney shows an enormous pile of waste hovering behind a struggling mangrove forest in Bali. “In the past, a major fire burned through the rubbish here, and to this day the landfill continues to grow, pressing against the edge of this delicate mangrove system,” Quinney said in the statement.
“Paradise buried.” Image courtesy of Tom Quinney/MPA.
The “landscape” category features images of stunning sunsets and the natural beauty of mangroves. A photo from the United Arab Emirates shows the juxtaposition of mangroves and the metropolis of Abu Dhabi. “The tidal channels weave through the green forest like lifelines, feeding the city with breath and calm … it’s a message: true progress respects its roots. The mangroves here don’t just shield the shores, they preserve the spirit of balance that every thriving city needs,” photographer Salem Alsawafi said.
“Roots in water peaks in the sky.” Image courtesy of Salem Alsawafi/MPA.
The winning photograph in the “people” category shows trained otters feasting on fish after helping fishermen in Bangladesh, an ancient and fading relationship between humans and mammals of the mangroves. “There are only a handful of otter fisherman left and their unusual method of fishing has been handed down from father to son for centuries,” photographer Freddie Claire said. “The otters chase fish from the muddy banks into the awaiting nets and after each fishing session get their share of the catch.”
“Bhoben Biseash and his otters.” Image courtesy of Freddie Claire/MPA.
Banner image: “Flower of Mangrove” shows a tiger emerging from a mangrove in India. Image courtesy of Kaushik Ghosh/ MPA.
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