What is this competition all about?

This photo competition aims to collect and share visual stories on the diversity of ocean careers that exist in Canada and the people engaged in this meaningful work.

We invite early career ocean professionals (ECOPs) to submit their photos to any/all of four categories for a chance to win some cool prizes and be featured in Canadian Geographic and on ECOP Canada’s media.

What is an ECOP?

Early career ocean professionals (ECOP) are at the heart of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development. An ECOP is a person who self-identifies as being early in their career (10 years or less of professional experience) within any field related to the ocean (not only employed/paid positions). This can be anything from a fisher, diver, Indigenous Guardian, or scientist, to artist, photographer, or computer programmer. If your work connects at all to the ocean, you are an ocean professional! The term “professional” is used in order to be inclusive of professionals from many different sectors.

ECOPs today are the force working towards and promoting ocean sustainability for the Ocean We Want.

Do I have to be an ECOP to enter the competition?

Ideally, yes, but as noted above, ECOP encompasses a broad range of ocean-related careers and fields.

How do I enter?

To enter the competition, you will have to create an account with the Canadian Geographic Photo Club. You can do this by clicking Login/Register at the top right hand side of the competition homepage and entering your information as a new user. If you are already a member of the Canadian Geographic Photo Club, simply sign in with your Photo Club login. Once you are logged in, an “Enter” tab will appear in the navigation bar.

Do photo entries have to have been taken in Canada?

Yes.