The California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco is now accepting submissions for it's third annual BigPicture: Natural World Photography Competition. This international competition spotlights the work of high-level nature and conservation photographers and is judged by an esteemed panel of world-renowned photographers and photo editors. Winners will receive a cash prize and have their photograph featured in an exhibit on the Academy's public floor.

Of special note for underwater photographers are BigPicture's categories for aquatic life and the 2016 photo essay. This year's essay focuses on protecting the world's coral reefs and these submissions of 3-5 images (with captions) should highlight the abundance of life coral reefs support or illustrate our complex relationship with theses important ecosystems.

Paid image submissions are currently being accepted here until March 31, 2016. Entry fees are $15 for the photo essay category and $25 for up to 10 individual image submissions.

For more information BigPicture check out the full press release .