STUNNING underwater snaps go further than the eye can sea - as they go up for gongs at a prestigious photo award.

       Judges have been gushing over the aquatic art, which has been shortlisted for Oceanographic Magazine’s 2023 Ocean Photographer of the Year award.

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       The shortlist for Oceanographic Magazine’s 2023 Ocean Photographer of the Year award has been released - pictured here a deep sea diver Credit: Malek Bouguenoun/Ocean Photographer of the Year 2023/CMA 18

       An inqusitive manatee perfectly positioned in front of the sun’s rays Credit: Sylvie Ayer/Ocean Photographer of the Year 2023/CMA

       The shots show the full spectrum of ocean life - from whales and manatees to a deep sea diver.

       Finalist Sylvie Ayer, who captured a jaw-dropping close-up of a manatee, said: “It came close to look at me and was suddenly perfectly positioned in front of the sun’s rays.

       “I hope this photo helps raise awareness of the need to protect these mammals.”

       Divided across categories such as ‘Wildlife’, ‘Adventure’ and ‘Human Connection’, the overall winners of the contest are set to be announced in September.

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       In 2020, more than 5,500 photos from dozens of countries were entered into the competition, capturing ravenous sharks, swimming dragons and even an octopus playing football.

       Judge Alex Mustard said the entries featured "a real diversity of photos taken in waters from the polar oceans to the swimming pool."

       Frenchman Greg Lecouer bagged the "best of show" award with his snap of four crabeater seals dancing around a drifting iceberg.

       Greg said of the image: "Massive and mysterious habitats, icebergs are dynamic kingdoms that support marine life.

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       "During an expedition in Antarctica Peninsula, we explored and documented the hidden face of this iceberg where crab-eater seals have taken up residence."

       Other shots commended by judges included a snap of Lemon shark pups lurking in mangroves and a tragic shot of a tuna fish tangled in a fishing net.

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       A snap snowing one fish eating another has been nominated for Oceanographic Magazine’s 2023 Ocean photographer of the year Credit: Jack Pokoj/Ocean Photographer of the Year 2023/CMA 18

       A picture of divers surrounding a whale shark has also been nominated Credit: Laszlo Foldi/Ocean Photographer of the Year 2023/CMA 18

       A photo of a mother and baby turtle walking along a sandy beach is also in the running Credit: Ross Long/Ocean Photographer of the Year 2023/CMA 18

       This picture of a lemon shark is among the nominees, too Credit: Remuna Beca/Ocean Photographer of the Year 2023/CMA 18

       Could this picture of swirling sharks be the winner? Credit: Max Holba/Ocean Photographer of the Year 2023/CMA 18

       This picture of a pair of penguins has been nominated for Oceanographic Magazine’s 2023 Ocean photographer of the year Credit: Scott Portelli/Ocean Photographer of the Year 2023/CMA 18

       A majestic turtle framed against the sun's rays from above Credit: Renee Capozzola/Ocean Photographer of the Year 2023/CMA 18

       Fishermen bring a shark they have snared ashore Credit: Rike Brandt/Ocean Photographer of the Year 2023/CMA 18

       This eerie snap shows a diver discovering human remains Credit: Martin Broen/Ocean Photographer of the Year 2023/CMA 18

       This perfect capture of an undersea hunt has been nominated for Oceanographic Magazine’s 2023 Ocean photographer of the year Credit: Kat Zhou/Ocean Photographer of the Year 2023/CMA 18

       A dancing whale Credit: Nicholas Holton/Ocean Photographer of the Year 2023/CMA 18

       A polar bear marches across an Arctic glacier Credit: Michael Haluwana/Ocean Photographer of the Year 2023/CMA 18

       A sea bird bags a fish in an incredible underwater snap Credit: Henley Spiers/Ocean Photographer of the Year 2023/CMA 18

       A walrus enjoys a pier in the Netherlands Credit: Jeroen Hoekendijk/Ocean Photographer of the Year 2023/CMA 18

       A rare picture of a penguin 'in flight' Credit: Craig Parry/Ocean Photographer of the Year 2023/CMA 18

       A squad of turtles Credit: Renee Capozzola/Ocean Photographer of the Year 2023/CMA