Founded in 1974, Ciencias Marinas is an open-access academic journal dedicated to publishing original research in oceanography, marine biology, ecology, fisheries, and related disciplines. Ciencias Marinas is a leading publication in Latin America and a benchmark in disseminating knowledge on marine ecosystems. The journal is peer-reviewed and indexed in national and international databases, including the Science Citation Index and Scopus. Through its bilingual (Spanish-English) publication model, Ciencias Marinas eliminates language barriers and promotes the dissemination of knowledge to a global audience.

Aim

The journal Ciencias Marinas invites photographers, researchers, students, and marine enthusiasts to participate in the call for photos to select the cover of Volume 53 (2027). We are looking for images that reflect the beauty, richness, diversity, and unique character of marine ecosystems and their organisms.

Prize and exhibition

Grand Winner: The winning photograph will be the official cover of Volume 53 (2027) of Ciencias Marinas and will be exhibited on the journal website and social media, as well as at the Caracol science museum, Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico.

Art Exhibition: The 20 finalist photographs will be part of an exhibition open to the public at the Caracol Science Museum, Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico.

Contest calendar 2026

May 15: Call for entries open

August 31: Deadline for submitting photographs

September 15: Official announcement of the 20 finalists

October 23: Awards ceremony and opening of the photographic exhibition at the Caracol Science Museum, Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico.

Requirements and submission

Participation: People of any nationality may participate. Images must be original and must not have been previously entered in other contests or published on social media.

Technical specifications

Digital format:  JPG or RAR

Minimum resolution: 300 dpi

Minimum file size: 2 MB

Authorship: The photographs must be taken by the participant, who, upon submission, declares to be the copyright holder.

Permitted editing: Only basic adjustments (exposure, brightness, contrast, and saturation) will be accepted. Structural modifications, composites of more than one image, photo manipulation, and the addition of frames, watermarks, logos, names, emojis, or elements generated by artificial intelligence are not permitted.

Images with people: If the photograph includes people, it is essential to have their express written authorization for its use and publication.

Supporting documentation: Each photograph must be accompanied by a document with image consent (downloadable from the official link). This document must be downloaded, completed, and submitted in PDF format.

Protection of personal data: The information provided will be treated confidentially in accordance with the Federal Law on the Protection of Personal Data Held by Private Parties.

Registration: Files and documents should be sent to the following email address: cmarinas@uabc.edu.mx