Mexican Navy Opens Youth Photography Contest on Ocean Conservation

Quintana Roo, Mexico — The Mexican Navy has opened registration for the second photography edition of the 26th National Contest “La Juventud y la Mar” 2026, inviting young Mexicans to express their vision of the sea and environmental protection through a single image.

Entries will be accepted from Sept. 7 through Oct. 26, 2026. The contest is open to Mexican citizens aged 13 up to 17 years, 10 months and 0 days at the close of the call for entries, provided they live in the country.

What the Contest Is Looking For

Photographs must focus on the sea, its elements, maritime ecological awareness and care for the environment.

Organizers say submissions can explore a range of themes, including efforts to conserve beaches, rivers, lakes and other bodies of water; landscapes of marine and land ecosystems; biodiversity; and the effects of climate change on ecosystems.

Participants can use photography to show both the natural richness of their surroundings and the problems facing environmental conservation.

How to Enter

The submission window runs from Sept. 7 to Oct. 26, 2026, and entrants must review the rules and complete their registration before the deadline.

Each participant may submit only one photograph, along with a reflection or description of roughly half a page — a maximum of 300 words — explaining the idea they want to convey.

Images must be original and previously unpublished, taken in 2026. The Navy said photographs that have already appeared in digital or print media will not be accepted, nor will images taken by other people. The use of artificial intelligence or digital modification is also prohibited.

Organizers urged participants to check the technical specifications and criteria set out in the official rules before submitting their work.

Prizes

First, second and third places will be selected in each of Mexico’s states. Winners will receive a diploma, a gift and souvenirs from the Mexican Navy.

State first-place winners will also receive a trip to Mexico City and the port of Veracruz, with expenses covered by the Navy and accompanied by one adult.

Results will be published on the Navy’s website no later than Nov. 3, 2026.

Where to Find the Rules

The rules, specific photography criteria and registration form are available on the Mexican Navy’s official website.

For more information, the department can be reached at 55 5624 6500, extensions 7365 and 7549, or by email at unicos.relacionesp@semar.gob.mx.