2025 Essay Winners

Alabama

  • The image shows a printed 5th-grade science report titled 'Boisterous Garbage Can of the Sea' about tiger sharks, written by Sooye Lee from Alabama. It includes a paragraph describing tiger sharks' characteristics and their role in the ocean ecosystem.

    Souee Lee

    Tiger Shark | 4th-6th Grade

  • Poem titled 'Taking flight and soaring up' by Alyssa Wang, 8th grade, Alabama, about dreaming of flying like a bird and a shark, and aspiring to follow dreams despite fears.

    Alyssa Wang

    Flying Fish | 7th-9th Grade

  • Poem titled "An Ode: A Bright Fire" about a vibrant, colorful angelfish with bright orange, blue, and striped patterns, swimming among coral reefs.

    Kaelyn Lee

    Angelfish | 10th-12th Grade

Alaska

  • A typed letter discussing the importance of protecting rivers, lakes, and streams to preserve fish and berries for native groups' survival.

    Theodis J Bayles

    4th-6th Grade

Arizona

  • A typed essay about hammerhead sharks, their physical features, diet, and conservation status.

    Ruiyi Fan

    Hammerhead Shark | 4th-6th Grade

  • A sheet of paper with text about the ocean, marine life, pollution, and conservation.

    Ruiqi Fan

    Marlin | 7th-9th Grade

  • A typed page of a story titled 'The Fight for Life' about a fisherman catching a rainbow trout.

    Christiana Zheng

    Rainbow Trout | 10th-12th Grade

Arkansas

  • Text explaining that cutthroat trout live in freshwater such as rivers and lakes, with young trout being 1-6 inches long and adult trout 6-16 inches long, producing in early April in gravel beds, with females laying fewer than 1000 eggs.

    Susan Dean

    Cutthroat Trout | 4th-6th Grade

  • Text document about catfish, describing their habitat, diet, and characteristics, including their preference for freshwater environments like rivers, lakes, streams, and ponds.

    Aleigha Jesse

    Catfish | 7th-9th Grade

  • Text describing the garibaldi fish, a bright orange, heart-shaped fish, known for its size and vibrant color, living in the Pacific Ocean.

    Klesha Martin

    Garibaldi | 10th-12th Grade

California

  • A printed page titled "The Amazing Swordfish" describing the characteristics and facts about swordfish, including its appearance, habitat, speed, behavior, and diet, authored by Vihaan Shiroor, Grade 4, Dublin, California.

    Vihaan Shiroor

    4th-6th Grade

  • Anjali Golecha

    Anjali Golecha

    7th-9th Grade

  • A typed essay titled 'The Blade of the Sea' by Grace Xu, Grade 11, California.

    Grace Xu

    10th-12th Grade

Colorado

  • A title page with the text 'The Bluegill' by Luka Jonah Huhua, 5th grade, Colorado, and a detailed essay describing bluegill fish, their habitat, appearance, behavior, diet, and the reasons for their color variations.

    Luka Jonah Huhua

    Bluegill | 4th-6th Grade

  • Screenshot of a school report titled 'Grade 8, Colora' about mandarinfish and dragonets.

    Brianna Lopez-Raya

    Mandarin Fish | 7th-9th Grade

  • Text describing the Greenback Cutthroat Trout's history, endangered status, and conservation efforts in Colorado.

    Yunah Kim

    Greenback Cutthroat Trout | 10th-12th Grade

Connecticut

  • Empty white space with no identifiable objects or scenery.

  • Text describing the characteristics, body, behavior, and ecological importance of swordfish, a predator in ocean ecosystems.

    Olivia Sun

    Swordfish | 7th-9th Grade

DC

  • Empty white space with no objects or details visible.

  • Text-heavy page about a story of a long fish called White Sucker, with a humorous dialogue between fish, and facts about fish groups and their environment.

    Luisiana Rodreiguez Briceno

    White Sucker I 4th-6th Grade

  • Handwritten note describing ocean's resources, channel catfish, and their importance in ecosystems and human life.

    Mikaela Davis

    7th-9th Grade

  • Text document about Yellow Patcher fish, describing its appearance, habitat, and importance, with two images of Yellow Patcher fish in water.

    Nhu Thien

    Yellow Perch I 10th-12th Grade

Deleware

  • Document titled 'Water is life' from Riddik Sri Satya Neetipalli Fish Art Program, dated February 11, 2025, discussing water conservation and pollution prevention.

    Riddik Sri Satya Neetipalli

    7th-9th Grade

  • Page from a written article titled 'A Flash of Color in the Water' discussing the Pale Chub, a freshwater fish, emphasizing its appearance, role in the ecosystem, and the importance of حفاظت and environmental balance.

    Grace Huang

    10th-12th Grade

Florida

  • Printed text about Queen Snapper, including details about its habitat, appearance, diet, and fishing tips, with a handwritten note at the bottom reading Ella Wawn, 3rd grade, FL.

    Ella Warm

    Queen Snapper I K-3rd Grade

  • Poem titled 'Winter Snook' printed on a page with the 'Florida Fish Art Contest 2025' logo, describing a fishing scene involving a fish trying to escape from a snook.

    Hopper Borchgardt

    Snook I 4th-6th Grade

  • Poem titled 'The Gangster Gar (Double G.)' by Ayuub Sheikh, features lyrics about a fish named Double G, describing its habits, habitat, and the environment, including references to a neighborhood called 'Everglades' and a small fish. The poem is presented in paragraph form with a footer crediting the author and instructions for a music video.

    Ayuub Sheikh I 7th-9th Grade

  • A typed poem titled 'Blue Gill' by Jenna Geiser, Grade 12, about a blue gill fish thriving in its natural aquatic habitat. The poem describes the fish's environment, growth, and resilience.

    Jenna Geiser

    Bluefill I 10th012th Grade

Georgia

  • A typed poem titled 'The Skyborne Chase' by Sarah Tan, a 6th grader from Georgia. The poem describes a scene at sunset with flying fish in the ocean, the pursuit of these fish, and the movement of their flight and survival.

    Sarah Tan

    Mahi Mahi I 4th-6th Grade

  • A handwritten poem titled 'The King of the Lake' by Jingxiang Gao, a Grade 8 student from Georgia, describing the lake as a home, a kingdom, with imagery of water, fish, and nature.

    Jingxiang Gao

    Bass I 7th-9th Grade

  • A typed letter titled 'Beautiful yet Destructive' discussing lionfish and their impact on ocean ecosystems, printed on standard white paper.

    Kierstyn Lulehart

    Lionfish I 10th-12th Grade

Idaho

  • Text document titled 'Seoyoon Song, Grade 11, Idaho' discussing the importance of protecting cutthroat trout and their environment.

    Seoyoon Song

    Cutthroat Trout I 10th-12th Grade

Illinois

  • A poem titled "The Majestic Salmon" by Chloe Min, a 6th grader from Daniel Wright Junior High School, describing the beauty of a salmon swimming in the ocean.

    Chloe Min

    Salmon I 4th-6th Grade

  • A typed informational page about mudskippers, their habitat, physical features, behavior, and conservation status.

    Aaron Ahn

    Mudskipper I 7th-9th Grade

  • Page titled 'A Beauty with Thorns' with a written report about lionfish, their diet, reproductive habits, and invasive impact on ocean life.

    Diana Park

    Lionfish I 10th-12th Grade

Indiana

  • A handwritten note about yellow tang fish, including their habitat, size, and diet.

    Lilly Rowe

    Yellow Tang | K-3rd Grade

  • A typed page with the title 'Seth Joseph Spradlin, 5th Grade, Indiana,' discussing the Copperband Butterflyfish, describing its appearance, habitat, lifespan, and reasons for choosing it to draw.

    Seth Joseph Spradlin

    Copperband Butterflyfish | 4th-6th Grade

  • Typewritten page describing the Large Mouth Bass, a common freshwater fish, including its characteristics, record size, diet, lifespan, and various names.

    Eliana Spradlin

    Largemouth Bass | 7th-9th Grade

  • Document titled 'Carp' by Caroline Rowe, Grade 12, Indiana, discussing carp as an invasive species, their impact on ecosystems, and their rapid population growth.

    Caroline Rowe

    Carp | 10th-12th Grade

Iowa

  • A handwritten note describes a drawing of a rainbow trout, mentioning its significance to the writer's grandfather who enjoys fishing in streams and lakes, including using kayaks and boats. The note also discusses rainbow trout eating flying insects, living in streams and packs, and being colorful and fun to catch and eat.

    Khathy Odell

    Rainbow Trout I 4th-6th Grade

  • A report on catfish by Lillian Mclaren, 7th grade, from Van Horne, IA, includes facts about their size, habitat, behavior, lifespan, and diet.

    Lillian Mclaren

    Catfish I 7th-9th Grade

  • Letter discussing the importance of protecting lakes, rivers, estuaries, and coastlines for preserving natural resources and promoting ecological balance.

    Hailey Gaul

    Brook Trout I 10th-12th Grade

Kansas

  • A handwritten document discussing childhood experiences with hunting and fishing, and describing a blue catfish.

    Leighton Mick

    Blue Catfish | 7th-9th Grade

  • Poem titled 'Hidden, Stripped, and Strange' about underwater creatures like seahorses, whales, and a ghostly shape on coral skin.

    Karroll Thayer-Metcalf

    Zebra Seahorse | 10th-12th Grade

Louisiana

  • Letter from a 6th-grade student named Alice He from Glasgow Middle School, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, titled 'The Importance of Protecting Lakes, Rivers, Estuaries, and Coastlines,' discussing Louisiana's diverse water ecosystems, biodiversity, natural disasters, cultural significance, and the need for environmental protection.

    Alice He

    Snapper | 4th-6th Grade

  • Poem titled 'The White Sea Bream' describing the characteristics and habits of white sea breams, including their colors, hunting and eating behaviors, teeth, and natural habitat.

    Rebecca Ingram

    White Sea Bream | 7th-9th Grade

Maine

  • Empty white background with a staged table with books, a globe, a cup, and decorative items, resembling a study or work desk.

  • A document explaining the wolf fish, its appearance, habitat, and feeding habits, with a thumbs-up emoji at the end.

    Amos Lowry

    Wolf Fish I 4th-6th Grade

Maryland

  • Poem titled 'Guardians of the Deep' about sharks as ocean predators, describing their beauty, wisdom, and role in the sea, emphasizing their importance in marine life.

    Elaine Chao

    Shark | 4th-6th Grade

  • A sheet of paper with a written story titled 'Eric Ma, 7th Grade, Maryland', describing an experience of watching a blazing orange sunset and observing nature and wildlife, including fish along the Potomac River.

    Eric Ma

    Striped Bass | 7th-9th Grade

  • A typed poem titled 'Liquid Memory' by Ryan Xiong on a white page.

    Ryan Xiong

    Greenback Cutthroat Trout | 10th-12th Grade

Massachusetts

  • A typed essay about the Coho Salmon, including its habitat, physical traits, lifecycle, diet, ecological importance, and a story about a salmon catching and escaping a boy in a river.

    Elena Wang

    Coho Salmon | 4th-6th Grade

  • Document titled 'The Great White Shark: Facts and Misconceptions' discussing the shark's size, traits, misconceptions, cultural impact, and importance in the ecosystem.

    Eric Liu

    Great White Shark | 7th-9th Grade

  • Text document discussing invasive lionfish populations in US coastal waters, their impact on native species, and their spread across the Atlantic and Brazil.

    Zack Huang

    Lionfish | 10th-12th Grade

Michigan

  • A colorful, child-friendly educational essay about rainbow trout, with a rainbow and clouds decorative border.

    Effie Chen

    Rainbow Trout | 4th-6th Grade

  • A printed letter from Amy Yang, dated February 16, 2025, addressing the importance of protecting lakes, rivers, estuaries, and coastlines, emphasizing the need for environmental conservation and awareness.

    Amy Yang

    Sockeye Salmon | 7th-9th Grade

  • A poem titled 'For Us All (The Next Generation)' with a personal name, grade, and state at the top.

    Kaitlyn Saucier

    Redbreast Sunfish | 10th-12th Grade

Minnesota

Mississippi

  • Child's handwritten essay about Gulf sturgeon and its habitat, mentioning its eating habits, age, and conservation efforts.

    Brooke Tao

    Gulf Sturgeon I K-3rd Grade

  • A typed page about gars, explaining their habitat, physical characteristics, scientific name, historical uses, and connection to Mississippi. The document mentions a 10th-grade class project by Caroline Covington from Mississippi.

    Caroline Covington

    Longnose Gar I 10th-12th Grade

Missouri

  • A letter discussing the importance of keeping lakes and rivers healthy, emphasizing their role in protecting aquatic life and preventing pollution, with a simple drawing of waves at the bottom.

    Becky Han

    Atlantic Blue Marlin I 4th-6th Grade

  • A document titled 'Missouri Crappie' with detailed information about black and white crappie fish, their behaviors, feeding habits, and seasonal activity in Missouri.

    Autumn Snow

    Crappie I 7th-9th Grade

  • Document titled 'Protecting Our Lakes, Rivers, Estuaries, and Coastlines' discussing the importance of water, threats from Zebra Mussels, water quality, economic benefits, protection strategies, and conclusion on preserving water resources.

    Jeffthan Glaster

    Cutthroat Trout I 10th-12th Grade

Montana

  • A storybook page titled 'This is the story about a Brook trout named Phil,' describing Phil's adventures at school and in the woods, with dialogue and ending with 'The End.'

    Paislee Neiffer

    Brook Trout | 4th-6th Grade

  • A printed page with a yellow background titled 'The Rainbow Trout' contains text describing the rainbow trout's appearance, habitat, lifespan, and diet.

    Lauren Weber

    Rainbow Trout I 7th-9th Grade

Nebraska

  • A typed school report titled 'Tropical Rainbow Discus' describing the fish's colors, shape, size, lifespan, and personal reflection on drawing and painting the fish.

    Evelyn Varah

    Tropical Rainbow Discus I 4th-6th Grade

  • Typed document titled "The Importance of Brown Trout and Why We Should Protect Them" discussing brown trout habitat, conservation, and significance.

    Braden Ostlund

    Brown Trout I 7th-9th Grade

Nevada

  • Images of Lahontan cutthroat trout, one swimming in an aquarium and one being held, with a background of aquatic environment and rocks.

    Justyn Boumah

    Cutthroat Trout I 4th-6th Grade

New Hampshire

  • A printed page featuring information about rainbow trout, with a hand-drawn illustration of a river scene at the bottom showing trees on the banks, a fish jumping from the water, and a small fish in the water.

    Hanvitha Karna

    Rainbow Trout | 4th-6th Grade

  • Poem about the importance of water, rivers, lakes, estuaries, and coastlines for life and the environment, emphasizing conservation and protection of water sources.

    Rishima Singh

    Seahorse | 7th-9th Grade

New Jersey

  • Text about protecting oceans and sea animals, emphasizing protecting ocean life from pollution, particularly plastic waste, and supporting healthy marine ecosystems.

    Zoe Zhang

    Shark | K-3rd Grade

  • Document with handwritten name and grade at the top, followed by a lengthy text about the brook trout and Native American cultural significance.

    Sahaana Tangirala

    Brook Trout | 4th-6th Grade

  • Photograph of a printed text discussing the Crimson Majesty, a Chelidonichthys kumu, a brightly colored sea creature, with details about its appearance and behavior in its natural ocean habitat.

    TaeMin Song

    Bluefin Gurnard | 7th-9th Grade

  • A typed essay titled "The Dolly Varden: A Fish of Resilience" by Ella Wu, 11th grade, New Jersey, discussing the Dolly Varden fish, its environment, ecological role, challenges, and importance of conservation.

    Ella Wu

    Dolly Varden | 10th-12th Grade

New York

  • Poetry letter titled "Why We Should Be Protecting the Oceans" written by Sen Chen, a 5th-grade student, dated February 14, 2025, for Fish Habitat Writing, discussing ocean conservation and the importance of protecting sea life.

    Sen Chen

    Quoyi Parrot Fish | 4th-6th Grade

  • Text about the great white shark, describing it as an apex predator, its physical features, habitat, hunting behavior, and conservation status.

    Selene Li

    Great White Shark | 7th-9th Grade

  • A page of poetic prose about fear, tranquility, and understanding, describing a journey from panic and fighting to acceptance and returning home, focusing on the imagery of water and reflection.

    Parker Jun

    10th-12th Grade

North Carolina

  • A poem titled 'Help Me' expressing concern about water pollution, ocean destruction, and a plea to restore and protect the environment.

    Presley Thompson

    Coastal Cutthroat Trout | 4th-6th Grade

  • Poem about the importance of water and protecting the environment, mentioning lakes, rivers, oceans, and the threats of pollution and climate change.

    Madelynn Hill

    Largemouth Bass | 7th-9th Grade

  • Poem titled 'Journey of The Steelhead' about the life cycle and environmental threats to steelhead trout.

    James Russell

    Steelhead | 10th-12th Grade

North Dakota

  • A blank white background.

  • A typed story about catching a paddlefish while fishing, describing its size, scientific name, habitat, diet, lifespan, appearance, and interesting facts.

    Jaxton Leapadlt

    Paddlefish | 4th-6th Grade

Ohio

  • A handwritten note about Morone chryspus, a type of fish found in Oklahoma.

    Gemma Martin

    Morone Chrysops | 4th-6th Grade

  • Document titled 'Saving the Great White Shark: Why Conservation Matters,' discussing threats to and conservation of great white sharks.

    Harsith Sundara Pandiyan

    Great White Shark | 7th-9th Grade

  • Poem titled Atlantic Salmon by Yanira Zavala, describing salmon's shiny scales and hardships faced.

    Yanira Zavala

    Salmon I 10th-12th Grade

Oklahoma

  • Poem titled "Yellow Perch" by Livia Chen, 5th grade, Oklahoma, describing a yellow perch fish and its characteristics, habitat, and behavior.

    Livia Chen

    Yellow Perch I 4th-6th Grade

  • A typed essay titled 'Undersea Wonders: The Lethal Beautiful Swordfish' discussing the swordfish's characteristics, environmental threats, and conservation issues.

    Charlene Jin

    Sailfish | 7th-9th Grade

Oregon

  • Page from a children's book describing the Longear Sunfish, a small, colorful fish with a long, dark flap on its gill cover that looks like an ear, found in North American lakes, rivers, and streams.

    Anastasia Syrkina

    Longear Sunfish | 4th-6th Grade

  • Page of text titled 'The Importance of the Smallmouth Bass' by Anuva Shah, discussing the significance, habitat, threats, and conservation of smallmouth bass.

    Anuva Shah

    Smallmouth Bass | 7th-9th Grade

Pennsylvania

  • A text page titled 'King Salmon' explaining characteristics, habitat, and conservation of king salmon, including details about its appearance, diet, lifespan, weight, and habitat.

    Ben Goodreau

    Salmon | 4th-6th Grade

  • Handwritten essay about seahorses, their biology, and conservation efforts.

    Olivia Dan

    Seahorse | 7th-9th Grade

  • A typed essay titled "Rainbow Under Water" discussing the rainbow trout, its appearance, habitat, and resilience to environmental challenges.

    Rayne Fang

    Rainbow Trout | 10th-12th Grade

South Carolina

  • A person standing on the edge of a mountain peak overlooking a vast canyon and river below, with a clear blue sky above.

  • Empty white space with no visible objects or details.

  • Page titled 'Atlantic Flying Fish: Facts, Survival, and Role in The Environment' with text explaining the characteristics and habitat of Atlantic Flying Fish.

    Katherine Crowell

    Atlantic Flying Fish I 10th-12th Grade

South Dakota

  • A page of printed story titled 'Bob the Bass' about a fish named Bob living in a lake, with several paragraphs describing his adventures with friends and fishing.

    Ashley Coats

    Largemouth Bass | 4th-6th Grade

  • Page of a student paper titled 'The Paddlefish' with a detailed description of paddlefish, their habitat, physical features, and behavior, authored by Jesse Schoon, Grade 8.

    Jesse Schoon

    Paddlefish | 7th-9th Grade

Tennessee

  • A typed report about Longear Sunfish, including scientific details, physical description, habitat, diet, and fishing information, with a student's name and grade at the top.

    Jaylea Frye

    Longear Sunfish | 10th-12th Grade

  • A handwritten sheet with a drawing of a turtle, a catfish, and an octopus, along with descriptive text about the red tail catfish.

    Hanna Wright

    Red Tail Catfish | 10th-12th Grade

  • A typed informational report about Brook Trout written by Hannah Clayborn, Grade 11, Tennessee.

    Hannah Clayborn

    Brook Trout | 10th-12th Grade

Texas

  • A typed page describing a drawing of a red longtail bass fish, focusing on its color, shape, and artistic details.

    Vanessa Guan

    Longtail Bass | 7th-9th Grade

  • A page of printed text describing a childhood experience of fishing at a lake with family, catching a large fish, and the memories associated with it.

    Alan Solano

    Bass | 10th-12th Grade

Utah

  • Typed story about a boy named Bill in a stream catching fish, describing his experience and feelings.

    Alexandra Saunders

    Bonneville Cutthroat Trout | 4th-6th Grade

  • A written story about painting a whale shark and filling the space with humorous sardines, titled 'So-fish-ticated Fleeing' by Sophie Fuller, grade 8, WA.

    Sophie Fuller

    Whale Shark & Sardines | 7th-9th Grade

Vermont

  • A printed page explaining about landlocked Atlantic salmon, including details about their habitat, lifecycle, and eating habits.

    Landon Stewart

    Atlantic Salmon I K-3rd Grade

  • A typed poem about Atlantic salmon, detailing physical characteristics, habitat, diet, and reproduction, with specifics about weight, jumping ability, eggs, and regional occurrence.

    Annalise Wheel

    Atlantic Salmon I 4th-6th Grade

  • Text-based story about a girl observing brown bullhead catfish and other aquatic life during a fishing trip in Vermont.

    Emelia Brothers

    Catfish I 7th-9th Grade

  • A written report about rock bass fish, its habitat, and fishing experience.

    Ella Jandric

    Rock Bass I 10th-12th Grade

Virginia

  • A typed informational article about the steelhead trout, explaining its characteristics, habitat, diet, size, migration, and importance to Native American tribes.

    Annabelle Mu

    Steelhead Trout | 4th-6th Grade

  • Informative text about rainbow trout, describing their appearance, habitat, diet, and conservation status.

    Claire Li-Chang

    Rainbow Trout | 7th-9th Grade

  • A typed essay by Iris Zhou, 10th Grade, Virginia, discussing the importance of brown trout for ecosystems, environmental health, and the need for sustainable practices.

    Iris Zhou

    Brown Trout | 10th-12th Grade

Washington

  • Printed informational page about Chinook salmon, including details about their size, coloration, spawning habits, migration, threats, and conservation efforts.

    Pranav Ramanujan

    Chinook Salmon | 4th-6th Grade

  • Image of a typed literary or philosophical essay about flying fish, their qualities, and metaphorical meaning about life and freedom, addressed to Leah Park, Grade 7, in WA.

    Leah Park

    Flying Fish | 7th-9th Grade

  • A poem about a rainbow fish, describing its beauty, the pollution affecting its environment, and its hope for revival.

    Alice Zhao

    Candy Darter | 10th-12th Grade

West Virginia

  • A blank white background.

  • Empty white background.

  • A handwritten fish conservation essay with a printed worksheet at the top, including sections on wetlands, predator, pollution, environment, invader, resources, herbivore, and unity/harmony, and a drawing of a fish.

    Caitlyn Cotter

    Northern Pike | 7th-9th Grade

  • A typed document titled 'Khalia Reid Fish Art Contest Keepsaking our Water' discussing water's importance, ecosystems, human impact, and conservation efforts.

    Khalia Reid

    Clownfish | 10th-12th Grade

Wisconsin

  • A handwritten note titled 'The Musky' explaining why the writer picks muskies, mentioning Wisconsin, fishing, and their habits.

    Cullen Gilbertson

    Muskellunge | K-3rd Grade

Wyoming

  • A cat lying on a bed with black and white bedding, next to a person holding a smartphone.

  • Empty white space with a small amount of text at the top that says 'What is in this image? Respond in American English.'

  • A typed letter from Deanie Sloan about leaf sea dragons, describing their appearance, habitat, and behavior.

    Deanise Sloan

    Leafy Sea Dragon | 10th-12th Grade