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Half Full

Aaron Lynton

United States of America

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A Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle cruises in the shallows on their way to the next reef. They often use the shallows by the shoreline as a highway for safe passage.

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Bronze

Honorable Mention

Flight of the Turtle

Off the coast of Maui, a Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle swims just underneath the surface.

Each winter, Maui's warm waters become the haven for Humpback whales. Here, life grows quickly in quiet trust - guided, protected and taught through closeness. Like us, these gentle giants grow with care and patience.

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Nominee

Gentle Giants

A molten lava river flows down the steep slopes of Mauna Loa during the historic eruption of 2022.

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The Eye of Pele

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Whale Tail

My flash illuminates an otherwise dark shore break barrel just before the first light of the morning. Chasing surf before the sun rises; there's not many better ways to start the day!

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First Light

As the sunrises, it dances through the banyan tree branches. Such a large root structure, one can only speculate how old she is. But what I do know is, when you are in her presence, time slows down and everything seems to be alright.

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Tree of Life Sunstar

Just off the coast of Maui, this playful humpback whale calf frolics and plays at the surface. The mom keeps a close eye from below.

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In an attempt to avoid an even worse big wave beating, Rafael Tapia hits the eject button

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Silver

People’s Vote Award

Pe'ahi Canonball

In the vast silence of the ocean, where survival is not guaranteed, the mother's protectiveness becomes a sacred vow. Her watchfulness reflects this unwavering dedication. Taken legally under federal permit NMFS #26727

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Kohola Queen

Sometimes you gotta pay to play, and here Jack Akrop found himself a touch out of position while paddling into this giant wave, which resulted in one of the biggest wipeouts of the year.