Please note that this competition ran in 2008 and is now closed.

The MCS Plymouth Local Group is holding an open photographic competition this year, that everyone can get involved with.

The theme of the competition is, "Marine Conservation - the good, the bad and the ugly". Photos should illustrate some aspect of marine conservation - this could include beautiful coastal landscapes worth conserving, people working in conservation, marine or beach pollution or litter, marine related animal or plant species at risk... Let your imagination roam!

The competition will be judged by Peter Rowlands (underwater photographer), Neil Hope (Deputy Picture Editor, Western Morning News) and Paul Naylor (underwater photographer). The fourth judge is to be confirmed.

The best entries will be exhibited at the Wembury Marine Centre from 9th to 16th August and then at a venue in Plymouth city centre. Prizes will be awarded at an evening event in August at Wembury Marine Centre. All profits will go to the Marine Conservation Society and the Wembury Marine Centre.

The Classes

There are four classes in the competition:

Class 1: Underwater Adult

Class 2: Underwater Junior (under 16)

Class 3: Land Adult

Class 4: Land Junior (under 16)

The Prizes

Class 1: 1st prize £50, 2nd prize £30, 3rd prize £20 in dive shop vouchers sponsored by Aquanauts and In Deep

Class 2: Junior Land and Underwater classes will win tickets to Paignton Zoo, Living Coasts and other prizes

Class 3: 1st prize £50, 2nd prize £30, 3rd prize £20 in vouchers sponsored by Bags2keep in conjunction with London Camera Exchange

Class 4: Junior Land and Underwater classes will win tickets to Paignton Zoo, Living Coasts and other prizes

The Rules

1. Each photo must have a British marine conservation related theme and must be the original work of the entrant who must also own the copyright.
2. Photographs must be submitted as prints maximum size A4 and may be mounted or unmounted and should have entrant’s name, address, age (if under 16), camera used and class entered on reverse.
3. Entrants may submit a maximum of three prints which should be accompanied by a single entry form (below) and fee (per person) of £5 per adult or £2 junior.
4. Closing date is Friday 18th July 2008.

To enter the competition, simply download the Entry Form (below), fill it in and enclose it with your entries and fee in a sealed package or envelope. Cheques should be made payable to 'MCS Plymouth Local Group'.

You can submit your entries by post, to: MCS Photo Competition, c/o Sally Sharrock, 19 Hawthorn Drive, Wembury, Plymouth, Devon, PL9 0BE.

Or, you can pop in to Aquanauts dive centre on the Barbican and hand in your entries there, or post them to: MCS Photo Competition, c/o Aquanauts Dive Centre, 88 Vauxhall St, The Barbican, Plymouth, Devon, PL4 0EY.

Don't forget to put your details on the back of each print!

Download the Entry Form and Rules here
Download the competition poster here

If you represent a company who would like to donate a prize for the competition, please email us on mcsplymouthlocalgroup@hotmail.com.