Winners of the 2016 Underwater Photographer of the Year contest

The bar for making a splash in the UK-based Underwater Photographer of the Year contest is set extremely high.

Representing more than 50 countries, these artistic champions, according to jury chair Alex Mustard, presented judges with an 'inspiring feast of imagery.'

Despite the overwhelming amount of talent, organisers reveal their firm favourite was from Italian photographer Davide Lopresti.

Simply entitled Gold, Lopresti's stunning image shows a vibrant seahorse amidst the ocean's tranquil waves. Describing the image, he said: 'Over the years the Mediterranean's population of seahorses has drastically reduced. Their numbers have only recovered thanks to public awareness and a significant restocking campaign.

'Areas of the sea have now been set aside, protected from harmful fishing methods, like trawling. This has allowed vulnerable and delicate creatures, like sea horses, to return. This is what I hoped to celebrate with this image.'

As for all the other winning photos, Mustard reveals: 'It was astounding and humbling seeing the quality. Every single image that placed is an amazing moment from the underwater world.'

Lopresti's stunning image shows a vibrant seahorse amidst the ocean's tranquil waves. Describing the image, he said: 'Over the years the Mediterranean's population of seahorses has drastically reduced. Their numbers have only recovered thanks to public awareness and a significant restocking campaign. Areas of the sea have now been set aside, protected from harmful fishing methods, like trawling. This has allowed vulnerable and delicate creatures, like sea horses, to return. This is what I hoped to celebrate with this image'

This image was taken by Mike Korostelev from Russia. He said: 'Cages are more commonly associated with photographing great white sharks, but I constructed a cage to keep me safe as I captured the fishing behaviour of the bear. I waited many hours in the cold water for the bear to come close enough to make my photo. The bear's strategy is to start by sitting down, putting his head under the water and looking for fish. Once the fish start to ignore him, he creeps closer before making his crucial lunge to snare a large salmon in his paws, or teeth'