2015 IMASUB Underwater Event Comes to a Close

The 5th International Underwater Photography Meeting 2015 IMASUB was held on June 8-13 at the Maria la Gorda International Diving Center, with 110 attendees from Argentina, Mexico, United States, Colombia, Slovakia, Spain, Brazil, France, Italy and Cuba as the host country.

At the exceptional natural stage represented by Guanahacabibes National Park, a protected area that holds the international category of Biosphere Reservoir, 21 contestants – 1 Italian, 6 North Americans, 1 Slovakian, 1 Colombian, 1 Brazilian and 11 Cubans – dove in interesting areas, looking for unforgettable experiences and the prizes and mentions to be given by the jury.

On the first day of the event, the participants were welcomed by executives and officials of the Presidency of GAVIOTA, S.A and Marinas Gaviota, SA.

The Information Meeting took place in the afternoon, chaired by Allan Garcia Hernandez, Head of Underwater Activities with Marinas Gaviota S.A, as well as the members of the jury: Instructor Trainer Claudia Pastorino, from Argentina; prestigious Cuban photographer Julio Larramendi and French Jean Michel Huot, audiovisual producer.

Several elements related to the bases and terms of the contest were narrowed down during the meeting and the pseudonyms for the competitors were drawn by Manuel Mon, from the Presidency of GAVIOTA, S.A. The day continued with a reconnaissance dive in the stages of the contest and a night entertainment activity.

The competition immersions were carried out on the second and third days, complemented by free activities that included night diving and optional entertainment.

On June 11 the pictures taken by the contestants had been already delivered, so the Jury assessed 140 pictures in categories "Environment", " Environment with Model", "Fauna" and "Macro" and after several hours of debate, characterized by high professionalism that took into account the fulfillment of the event’s bases and terms, 24 of them were handpicked for prizes and mentions, according to the sharpness, exposure, composition, creativeness and degree of difficulty. The Grand Prize was given to the first position; there was a second position and 3 mentions. The Headship of Guanahacabibes National Park delivered a special prize.

That’s how the International Underwater Photography Meeting 2015 IMASUB comes to a close. New friends, new prizewinners and new experiences will stay on everybody’s mind.

It's also time to praise the efforts and attention provided by the workers of Maria la Gorda International Diving Center, with the valuable collaboration of different organisms and institutions, Marinas Gaviota S.A., Gaviota Tours SA Travel Agency, Transgaviota and the Presidency of GAVIOTA S.A. Tourism Group.