English shipwrecks, submerged for centuries off the coast, hold the secrets of history in the form of artefacts like cannons. However, organised looting poses a significant threat.

To counter this, Historic England and British specialist contractor MSDS Marine have embarked on a ground-breaking project involving underwater forensic tagging technology. This technology, developed over eight years, traces its roots to methods used to protect heritage assets on land. It is applied directly to the marine artefacts and wrecks by divers, and had been trialled on dives this summer.

As the organizers put it, Lens Beyond Ocean (LBO) “is more than a competition—it’s an odyssey.” And with that notion in mind, they invite photographers and videographers at all levels, from novice to professional, to take up the challenge, go on a quest to dive the seas, and bring back images of the magic, mystery and magnificence of the underwater world.

With this year’s theme, “Embracing the Ocean’s Majesty,” the organizers are keen to welcome even more divers, businesses and water sports-related professionals from around the globe.