a striped marlin cuts through open blue as baitfish gather in defense, sea lions and other hunters closing in from the edges. in the open ocean, survival depends on balance—a fragile choreography threatened by warming seas, overfishing, and disrupted food webs.

no baiting or manipulation was used. the image was captured in open water with the assistance of local guides operating under natural conditions. supporting local guides helps sustain eco-tourism livelihoods and provides an alternative source of income that supports living oceans rather than harvesting them.

Ocean Geographic Pictures of the Year, 2026- Finalist