French photographer Julien Anton has been awarded the top prize at the Ocean Photographer of the Year 2026 awards for his stunning image of a male seahorse carrying two newborn juveniles. The winning photograph was taken in French Polynesia, specifically after extensive searching in Mo'orea for this rare seahorse family. Anton’s work not only captured a remarkable moment in marine life but also secured the first-place position in the Wildlife category before being named the grand prize winner. This recognition highlights the beauty and fragility of ocean ecosystems. The competition saw awards distributed to numerous international photographers across a range of categories. Anton’s image serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of ocean conservation efforts in regions like French Polynesia.