MARE FOTO 26 a photo competition from Marilles Foundation

n 2020, the Marilles Foundation, a Mallorcan non-profit organization dedicated to marine conservation, launched the photo competition, MARE FOTO, as a way of bringing attention to the Balearic Sea – to show its positive sides as well as its pressing environmental issues. Seeing a gap in the non-profit environmental sector for strong visual material that showed the diversity and power of the seas, they decided to launch this competition to engage the community and encourage more awareness.

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MARE FOTO has just opened the call for entries for its 7th edition and invites photographers of all ages, levels and backgrounds to showcase the beauty, richness and fragility of the Balearic Sea and the Mediterranean. Participants can submit up to 20 digital photographs that are related to the Balearic Sea – from its biodiversity to its landscape to people’s relationship to the sea. It can also relate to the threats and issues with the sea as well. The competition is open internationally, as Amador Garcia, MARE coordinator: says, “If it has a constructive vision of the sea, it doesn’t matter where you are from.”

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MARE FOTO26 has three main sections: YOUTH, for participants under 16; AMATEUR, for participants over 16; and EXPERT, for participants over 16, with the RAW file required if they are selected as finalists. Participants over 16 may submit their photographs in six categories: MARE Animalia, for images showing the biodiversity and personality of marine animals. MARE Botanica, for photographs focused on algae, marine plants and other photosynthetic organisms. MARE Sapiens, for images showing the positive relationship between people and the sea. MARE Denuntiare, for photographs denouncing impacts,threats or environmental issues; and MARE Nostrum, dedicated to the Mediterranean Sea beyond the Balearic Sea area. There is also MARE Popularis, the public award, open to all participants and decided by popular vote on the MARE website. In total, there is €10,000 worth of prizes given out, as well as recognitions and underwater equipment.

Antennas. Photo: Alex Morell

Denuntiare expert Atrapada. Photo: Alex Postigo

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his year also includes the “Joan Pereyra: the little things” Honorary Mention, dedicated to macro photography and to an attentive way of looking at
the sea. This mention pays tribute to Joan Pereyra, veterinarian, photographer, science communicator, diver and MARE participant. Amador Garcia's notes, “Last year we lost Joan Pereyra, a person much loved by the entire community of marine photographers in the Balearic Islands. This year, MARE wants to dedicate an honorary mention to him and to his calm, respectful and attentive way of looking at the sea. We want to focus on the small organisms, details, textures and forms, often invisible, that are also part of the richness of the marine world”.

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The jury for the 7th edition of MARE FOTO will be made up of Juan Carlos Calvín, Isabel Díez and Carolina Wells. Winners are featured in a travelling exhibition around the Balearics in 2027. There are also workshops and talks connected to the competition. Now in its 7th year, MARE FOTO has gained a notable reputation for its dedication to bringing awareness and promoting a community of photographers, organisations, scientists, educational centres and citizens committed to the sea.

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The registration period will remain open until 15 September 2026 at 11:59 p.m. via the MARE website. Participation is free for under-18s, members of partner organisations and associated diving centres. For all other participants, the registration fee is €10.

Marilles Foundation

@marillesfoundation