Surrounded by ocean on all sides, Taiwan’s beautiful seas and diverse coastal regions contain abundant ecological and scenic resources. However, under the growing threat of global climate change, marine natural resources require the collective care and protection of us all.
To faithfully capture Taiwan’s magnificent and diverse marine landscapes through photography and present these beautiful images to the public, the Marine National Park Headquarters hereby launches the 2010 “Cherish the Ocean with Your Eyes” Photography Competition. Submissions are divided into two categories: “Ocean Scenery” and “Underwater World.” Cash prizes for the top three winners in each category are NT$30,000, NT$20,000, and NT$10,000 respectively, along with certificates. In addition, a total of 52 awards including Honorable Mentions and Selected Works will be presented.
The Headquarters welcomes photography enthusiasts nationwide to participate. Subjects may include marine and offshore island coastal ecology, landscapes, or marine recreational activities around Taiwan; or the vibrant underwater world, including coral ecosystems, marine organisms, and seabed scenery. Entries should highlight the precious nature of Taiwan’s marine environmental resources. Award-winning works will be used as materials for the Headquarters’ environmental education programs, enabling the public to fully appreciate the beauty of the ocean and enhance awareness of marine conservation—bringing people closer to the sea, fostering understanding, and inspiring love for the ocean.
The 2010 “Cherish the Ocean with Your Eyes” Photography Competition is now open for submissions. The deadline is September 30, 2010 (postmark date as proof). The award ceremony and exhibition of winning works are scheduled for November 13, 2010 at the National Science and Technology Museum (South Building) in Kaohsiung. For detailed regulations and registration information, please refer to the guidelines below or contact the Headquarters at 07-3601897. We warmly invite everyone to participate and join in caring for Taiwan and cherishing our oceans.
（1）Supervising Authority: Construction and Planning Agency, Ministry of the Interior
Organizer: Marine National Park Headquarters
（2）Eligibility: Open to all photography enthusiasts.
（3）Categories:
1. Ocean Scenery: Photographs related to the diverse natural coastal ecology, landscapes, or marine recreational activities around Taiwan and its offshore islands (excluding Kinmen and Matsu).
2. Underwater World: Photographs featuring Taiwan’s underwater coral ecosystems, marine organisms, or seabed landscapes (excluding Kinmen and Matsu).
（4）Submission Specifications:
1. Submit an 8×10 inch color print of the photograph. Attach the completed registration form (Attachment 1) and Copyright Transfer Statement (Attachment 2) to the back of the photo and send together. No restriction on shooting date.
2. Submit a digital file (minimum 8 megapixels, JPG format—fine/high quality/large) burned onto a CD together with the print.
（5）Submission Deadline: From now until September 30, 2010 (postmark as proof). In-person submissions must be delivered during office hours (08:30–17:30). Late submissions will not be accepted.
◎ Submission Method: By registered mail or in person.
◎ Mailing Address: Marine National Park Headquarters, No. 24 Demin Rd., Nanzih Dist., Kaohsiung City 81157, Taiwan (Please mark “Photography Competition Submission”).
◎ Contact: 07-3601898 ext. 1897, 1870
◎ Please package submissions securely with protective cardboard when mailing. The organizer assumes no liability for damage or loss during delivery.
（6）Awards:
1. Ocean Scenery Category:
First Prize (1): NT$30,000 + certificate
Second Prize (1): NT$20,000 + certificate
Third Prize (1): NT$10,000 + certificate
Honorable Mention (8): NT$5,000 each + certificate
Selected (15): NT$2,000 each + certificate
2. Underwater World Category:
First Prize (1): NT$30,000 + certificate
Second Prize (1): NT$20,000 + certificate
Third Prize (1): NT$10,000 + certificate
Honorable Mention (8): NT$5,000 each + certificate
Selected (15): NT$2,000 each + certificate
（7）Incomplete submissions failing to meet specifications before the deadline will be disqualified and will not be returned.
（8）Each participant may receive only one prize of Third Prize or above. Awards may be withheld if entries do not meet standards.
（9）Prize money is subject to taxation according to law.
（10）Award Ceremony: Tentatively scheduled for November 13, 2010.
（11）Announcement of Winners: Winners will be notified in writing within one week after judging. Results will be published on the official website before November 10.
（12）Competition Rules:
1. Entries must conform to the competition themes. Non-compliant works will not be reviewed. All submissions will not be returned.
2. Entries must include the completed registration form and Copyright Transfer Statement. Winning works must provide digital files in the required format. Once announced, winners may not forfeit their award.
3. Upon announcement, the economic rights of winning works are deemed transferred to the organizer for use in accordance with copyright policy, including reproduction, modification, publication, broadcasting, distribution, exhibition, and related uses without additional payment.
4. Participants bear full legal responsibility for any infringement or unlawful conduct.
5. Entries must be original and unpublished. Plagiarism, digital alteration, compositing, color enhancement, text addition, or other post-processing is prohibited. Violations will result in disqualification and revocation of awards.
6. Participation constitutes agreement to all regulations. The organizer reserves the right to interpret and amend these rules.