Each year, our flagship dive show in Singapore, the Asia Dive Expo (ADEX), is dedicated to a different marine animal – and the threats they face. Over the years, we’ve shone a spotlight on seahorses, dolphins, sharks, coral reefs, cephalopods, and most recently, in 2026, on the Napoleon wrasse.
ADEX Big Blue Legacy 2027 is dedicated to dugongs, one of Asia’s most threatened marine mammals. Most recently assessed for The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species back in 2015, Dugong dugon is listed as “Vulnerable”, with the main causes of population decline being habitat degradation, hunting, and entanglement in fishing nets. Like manatees, their close cousins, dugongs feed almost exclusively on seagrass, and with pollution, mining, trawling, dredging, land reclamation, and climate change all adversely affecting seagrass meadows, these “sea cows” are increasingly in peril.
Calling All Underwater Photographers
We need your help to focus attention on these gentle giants, and in the lead-up to UN World Oceans Day, we’re inviting you to send us your best images of dugongs – and tell us why these docile herbivores need our protection.
The grand prize winner will be invited to ADEX Big Blue Legacy 2027 to showcase their work and recognised at the Blue Legacy Awards 2027, while shortlisted photographers will have their work featured online and at the show.
How to Participate
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Submit online:
- Upload UP TO THREE of your best dugong photos
- Tell us the story behind each image (80–150 words)
- Share your conservation messages
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Post on Instagram:
- Post your submitted photos on Instagram
- Tag @AsiaDiveExpo as a collaborator
- Add hashtags #ADEX2027 #DedicatedToDugong #SingaporeOceanWeek
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What We Are Looking For
Your work should reflect at least one of the following:
- Dugongs in the wild
- Seagrass habitats
- Conservation efforts
- Human connection to marine ecosystems
- Underwater or coastal environments linked to dugongs
Prizes
Grand Winner
- Invitation to ADEX 2027 in Singapore
- Hosted accommodation
- Feature showcase at ADEX 2027
- Award presented at Blue Legacy Awards, April 11, 2027
- Global exposure on Asian Geo and ADEX platforms
Shortlisted Photographers
- Featured online
- Displayed at ADEX 2027 exhibition
- Digital recognition certificate
Important Dates
Submissions will close on UN World Oceans Day (June 8, 2026). Shortlisting of entries will be in June and July, with public voting in August and September. The winner will be announced in October 2026. The exhibition of winning images and the award presentation will be during ADEX Big Blue Legacy in April 2027.
Your image can shape how people see the ocean. Submit now. Be seen at ADEX 2027.
