The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), in collaboration with Wildlife Forever, is excited to announce the launch of the 2024-2025 Art of Conservation Fish Art Contest. This annual international contest invites youth from around the globe to explore the world of fish, aquatic habitats, and conservation through creative expression in both art and writing. Since its inception in 1997, the Fish Art Contest has inspired more than 85,000 young artists from 46 countries, fostering a new generation of environmental stewards.

Open to students from kindergarten through 12th grade, the free contest encourages young people to connect with nature while showcasing their creativity. Florida students can participate by submitting their artwork through the Florida Fish Art Contest entry page provided by Wildlife Forever. Thousands of entries are received each year from across the globe, making this contest an impactful platform for aspiring artists and conservation advocates.

“We are proud to support Wildlife Forever’s Fish Art Contest, a program that not only inspires creativity but also helps young Floridians connect with our state’s rich aquatic heritage,” said FWC Commissioner Sonya Rood. “By encouraging K-12 students to participate, we are fostering a deeper understanding of Florida’s natural resources while celebrating the beauty of our waterways and wildlife. This contest plays a crucial role in educating the next generation about the importance of conservation.”

Participants in the Fish Art Contest have the opportunity to win prizes in various grade brackets: kindergarten through third grade, fourth through sixth grade, seventh through ninth grade, and tenth through twelfth grade. Within each grade category, one first-place winner and one runner-up will be chosen for both freshwater and saltwater fish illustrations. This structure gives young artists the chance to explore and depict the vast diversity of Florida’s aquatic species.

The contest is open for submissions until February 28, 2025, and is proudly supported by The Florida Nomad. Students and educators interested in learning more about the contest, accessing educational resources, or reviewing submission guidelines can visit MyFWC.com/FishArt.

Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to be a part of Florida’s thriving conservation movement through art!