News

Press Release

The deadline for entries into the 2009 Underwater Images Photo and Video Competition has been extended to April 10. In making the announcement, Director Roger Roth also commented that the penalty for late entries has been waived. Underwater Images is a non-profit corporation registered in the State of Ohio with all proceeds from this competition going to marine conservation, educational, and scholarship purposes. For complete details on eligibility, rules, and entry forms visit the official competition website at www.UWIMAGES.org

Categories include Conservation, Majestic, Togetherness, Macro (Open & Novice), Wide Angle (Open & Novice), and two video categories. One of the two video categories is for a documentary focusing on the oceans.

Although based in Ohio, the Underwater Images Competition is international and the prizes reflect an international flare. Included among them is the Best of Show prize sponsored for the 12th year in a row by FeBrina and Walindi Plantation in Papua New Guinea.

The major international charities that the Underwater Images Competition has supported for over a decade include Mahonia Na Dari and Pro Peninsula. Since 1998 Underwater Images has contributed significantly to each of these organizations. The third beneficiary, which was added in 2008, is DiveHeart, a not-for-profit organization that facilitates scuba training for physically challenged children and adults.

Prize sponsors for the competition include: Bilikiki Cruises Ltd. in the Solomon Islands, Tufi Dive Resort and Loloata Island Resort in PNG, Anthony's Key in the Bay Islands of Honduras, Captain Don’s Habitat in Bonaire, Divi Flamingo Dive Resort in Bonaire, Provo Turtle Divers, DiveTech and Cobalt Coast Resort of Grand Cayman, Nekton Cruises, and Stuart Cove’s in the Bahamas.

Other sponsors are Wakatobi Dive Resort, Matava Eco-Adventures Resort in Fiji, Kima Bajo, Kungkungan Bay and Eco Divers SMY Ondina, Kararu, Maluku Dive Resort and Archipelago Resorts & Fleet, Cocotinos/Odyssea Divers all in Indonesia. Also, Tasik Ria Resort all in North Sulawesi, Captain Morgan's in Ambergris Caye, Belize; AbcusscubA in Brockville Ont., Ed Robinson's Maui Adventures; Sipadan Water Village & Travel Masters; Crystal River Best Western; and Captain Morgan's in Ambergris Caye, Belize.

Manufacturers who have consistently supported Underwater Images include, Ikelite, Ultralight Control Systems, Diving Unlimited International, ReefNet, SeaVision; Submersible Systems, Sherwood/Akona, Exploration Design Studios, Bare Wet Suits, Gates Video Housings. Pinnacle Aquatics, CoralRealm.com and Apollo Sports.