From 9 July to 31 October 2020
1st edition of MARE contest
Digital photographs related to the Balearic Sea taken in 2019 and 2020 were presented. All photographs taken within the Balearic Sea (enclosed by the 1,000 m isobath around the Balearic archipelago). Two categories: Young (<18 years old) and Adult (> 18 years old). Five thematic áreas: 1. Marine fauna; 2. Underwater plant world; 3. Underwater landscape; 4. An external view of the sea; 5. Our relationship with the Balearic Sea. 16 prizes: 8 prizes of 1000€ for the winning photographs in the adult category and 8 underwater cameras for the youth category.
2020 WINNERS
The first edition of MARE followed the classic format of a competition, with digital underwater photography as its main discipline. Photography is an ideal vehicle to show the hidden beauty of the sea, with its vast palette of colours and light. It also allows us to document species and habitats, providing us with essential information about their state of conservation.
2020 WINNERSJury
Merche Llobera
Passionate about the animal world and adventure, Merche Llobera has travelled the world capturing the essence of wildlife. Her work has been published in various magazines and recognised in prestigious competitions such as Ocean Photographer of the Year, European Wildlife Photographer of the Year and Siena Awards. In the World Photographic Cup, she was twice named ‘Best in the Nation’, winning gold in 2025. She has also been a speaker at various events such as Exodus Aveiro Fest, Montphoto, and Naturcoa. In addition, she has contributed to MOTHER magazine, promoting the importance of nature and its conservation.
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Emma Cebrián
Emma Cebrian holds a PhD in marine ecology and biology. Her research focuses on the application of marine community ecology to the conservation and restoration of Mediterranean marine ecosystems. Examples include incorporating an understanding of biodiversity patterns, interactions between species, links between habitats and species, and quantifying the cumulative impacts of multiple impacts derived from human activities. More recently, she has also focused on exploring new active restoration techniques for the recovery of keystone species and the habitats they provide. And if that weren't enough, she is also a keen photographer!
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Ana Palacios
Ana Palacios is a visual journalist specialising in comprehensive communication for projects with social impact. She is a mentor for the Canon Europe Student Programme. She publishes her reports in media outlets such as National Geographic, CNN, The Guardian Weekend Magazine, etc. Her solo exhibitions have been on display at the Círculo de Bellas Artes in Madrid, the Alliance Française in Tanzania and the Casa de la Donne in Rome. She is a member of the jury for photography awards such as the Luis Valtueña and ASISAFoto. She teaches on the Master's Degree in PHotoESPAÑA and at the Agencia EFE, among others. She has published three books and directed a documentary on child slavery available on Filmin.
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CEREMONY
Victoria Morell was the person in charge of presenting the 16 awards of the first edition of MARE. The ceremony was broadcast in December 2020 from the Museu Marítim de Sóller. We counted on the reflections of the photographers Manu San Félix and Agustí Torres, as well as the oceanologist Gador Muntaner, a shark specialist.
Almost 1,000 entries - 883 photographs, six videos and three reports with 36 images - from 120 participants (103 adults and 17 young people) competed for prizes.
Joan Sans Tous and Lluna Mas Escandell, aged 9, were the youngest participants in the first edition.
COLLABORATORS
