Fish Art Contest & Entry Form Finder

The Fish Art Contest continues to grow and may include a state-level contest depending on where you live. State Hosts represent the Fish Art Contest in their region and help recognize and award student winners locally.

Please note that some states may have unique rules and submission processes. Be sure to review your state's specific guidelines before entering. All entries must submit an online form.

The Fish Art Contest accepts entries from both individual students and educators or group leaders submitting on behalf of two or more students.

We now accept both 2D and 3D artwork. Students may submit one 2D and one 3D piece. 3D entries are not subject to state-level restrictions and will be judged nationally. All entries must include an original artwork and creative writing piece (optional for grade K-3 and international students).

Use the form below to find your specific contest rules

and the correct entry form for your submission.

Contest you'll be submitting to:

General 3D Art Contest

3D Artwork Entry Form

Elgible Fish Species

All fish and shark species are eligible.

Species Resource

https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/species-directory

Submission Process

All 3D artwork entries must be submitted through the online entry form - do not mail in your entry. Submit multiple photos of your 3D artwork and progress pictures.

Entry Deadline

February 28th, 2026

Additional Awards Available

Students have the ability to be eligible for additional awards depending on what material you use or the species being drawn in the artwork. Artwork can qualify for multiple awards. Learn more about the speciality awards and view past winners.

IGFA Debris Division Award: artwork is created from plastic waste or found objects during a waterway cleanup.

Guy Harvey Shark Award: artwork features a shark species.

Great Lakes Fish Award: artwork features a Great Lakes fish species from the native, naturalized, or non-native list.

Invader Crusader Award: artwork features a native and invasive species found in the student's local area.

Fish Habitat Writing Award: creative writing answers: “Why do you think it’s important to protect our lakes, rivers, estuaries, and coastlines?”.

Point of Contact

Veronica Mangio, info@wildlifeforever.org or (763) 253-0222

Contest you'll be submitting to:

International 2D Art Contest

International 2D Entry Form

Elgible Fish Species

All fish and shark species are eligible.

Species Resource

https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/species-directory

Submission Process

All International artwork entries must be submitted through the online entry form - do not mail in your entry. Please scan your artwork.

Entry Deadline

February 28th, 2026

Additional Awards Available

Students have the ability to be eligible for additional awards depending on what material you use or the species being drawn in the artwork. Artwork can qualify for multiple awards. Learn more about the speciality awards and view past winners.

Guy Harvey Shark Award: artwork features a shark species.

Great Lakes Fish Award: artwork features a Great Lakes fish species from the native, naturalized, or non-native list.

Invader Crusader Award: artwork features a native and invasive species found in the student's local area.

Fish Habitat Writing Award: creative writing answers: “Why do you think it’s important to protect our lakes, rivers, estuaries, and coastlines?”.

Point of Contact

Veronica mangio, info@wildlifeforever.org or (763) 253-0222

Contest you'll be submitting to:

General 2D Art Contest

General Artwork Entry Form

Eligible Fish Species

All fish and shark species are eligible.

Fish Species Resource

https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/species-directory

Submission Process

You can either submit your entry online or mail your artwork and essay. If you are submitting online, please scan your artwork and essay. All entries must first be submitted through an entry form.

Entry Deadline

February 28th, 2026

Additional Awards Available

Students have the ability to be eligible for additional awards depending on what material you use or the species being drawn in the artwork. Artwork can qualify for multiple awards. Learn more about the speciality awards and view past winners.

Guy Harvey Shark Award: artwork features a shark species.

Great Lakes Fish Award: artwork features a Great Lakes fish species from the native, naturalized, or non-native list.

Invader Crusader Award: artwork features a native and invasive species found in the student's local area.

Fish Habitat Writing Award: creative writing answers: “Why do you think it’s important to protect our lakes, rivers, estuaries, and coastlines?”.

Point of Contact

Veronica Mangio, info@wildlifeforever.org

Contest you'll be submitting to:

California State Contest

California Contest Entry Form

Eligible Fish Species

Only fish found in California are elgible for the California Fish Art Contest.

Eligible Fish Species

Freshwater Fish

Saltwater Fish

Submission Process

You can either submit your entry online or mail your artwork and essay. If you are submitting online, please scan your artwork and essay. All entries must first be submitted through an entry form.

Entry Deadline

February 28th, 2026

Additional Awards Available

Students have the ability to be eligible for additional awards depending on what material you use or the species being drawn in the artwork. Artwork can qualify for multiple awards. Learn more about the speciality awards and view past winners.

Guy Harvey Shark Award: artwork features a shark species.

Invader Crusader Award: artwork features a native and invasive species found in the student's local area.

Fish Habitat Writing Award: creative writing answers: “Why do you think it’s important to protect our lakes, rivers, estuaries, and coastlines?”.

Point of Contact

Laura Mahoney, Laura_Mahoney@fws.gov

Contest you'll be submitting to:

Florida State Contest

Florida Contest Entry Form
Eligible Fish Species

Art must include one or more of the following Florida native species from the same category: Category 1 - Freshwater: Largemouth Bass, Striped Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Redear Sunfish, Spotted Sunfish, Channel Catfish, Florida Gar, Chain Pickerel, Bowfin Category 2 - Saltwater: Snook, Redfish, Spotted Seatrout, Flounder, Tarpon, Mahi-Mahi, Spanish Mackerel, Hogfish, Queen Snapper, Black Grouper

Submission Process

All artwork must be uploaded to the online entry form. Please scan all artwork and essays.

Entry Deadline

February 28th, 2026

Additional Awards Available

Students have the ability to be eligible for additional awards depending on what material you use or the species being drawn in the artwork. Artwork can qualify for multiple awards. Learn more about the speciality awards and view past winners.

Fish Habitat Writing Award: creative writing answers: “Why do you think it’s important to protect our lakes, rivers, estuaries, and coastlines?”.

Point of Contact

Brandon Stys, Brandon.Stys@MyFWC.com

Contest you'll be submitting to:

Georgia State Contest

Georgia Contest Entry Form
Eligible Fish Species

All fish and shark species

Submission Process

You can either submit your entry online or mail your artwork and essay. If you are submitting online, please scan your artwork and essay. All entries must first be submitted through an entry form.

Entry Deadline

February 28th, 2026

Additional Awards Available

Students have the ability to be eligible for additional awards depending on what material you use or the species being drawn in the artwork. Artwork can qualify for multiple awards. Learn more about the speciality awards and view past winners.

Guy Harvey Shark Award: artwork features a shark species.

Great Lakes Fish Award: artwork features a Great Lakes fish species from the native, naturalized, or non-native list.

Invader Crusader Award: artwork features a native and invasive species found in the student's local area.

Fish Habitat Writing Award: creative writing answers: “Why do you think it’s important to protect our lakes, rivers, estuaries, and coastlines?”.

Point of Contact

Chrystal Sherwood, chrystal.sherwood@dnr.ga.gov

Contest you'll be submitting to:

Illinois State Contest

Illinois Contest Entry Form
Eligible Fish Species

Fish species found in Illinois

Fish Species Resource

https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/species-directory

Submission Process

You can either submit your entry online or mail your artwork and essay. If you are submitting online, please scan your artwork and essay. All entries must first be submitted through an entry form.

Entry Deadline

February 28th, 2026

Additional Awards Available

Students have the ability to be eligible for additional awards depending on what material you use or the species being drawn in the artwork. Artwork can qualify for multiple awards. Learn more about the speciality awards and view past winners.

Great Lakes Fish Award: artwork features a Great Lakes fish species from the native, naturalized, or non-native list.

Invader Crusader Award: artwork features a native and invasive species found in the student's local area.

Fish Habitat Writing Award: creative writing answers: “Why do you think it’s important to protect our lakes, rivers, estuaries, and coastlines?”.

Point of Contact

Jenny Vaughn, jenny@ilconservation.org

Contest you'll be submitting to:

Iowa State Contest

Iowa Contest Entry Form
Eligible Fish Species

The art must include one or more of the following Iowa species: Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Brook Trout, Walleye, Channel Catfish, Flathead Catfish, Iowa Darter, Bluegill, Crappie, and/or Muskellunge

Fish Species Resource

https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/species-directory

Submission Process

All artwork must be uploaded to the online entry form. Please scan all artwork and essays.

Entry Deadline

February 28th, 2026

Additional Awards Available

Students have the ability to be eligible for additional awards depending on what material you use or the species being drawn in the artwork. Artwork can qualify for multiple awards. Learn more about the speciality awards and view past winners.

Great Lakes Fish Award: artwork features a Great Lakes fish species from the native, naturalized, or non-native list.

Invader Crusader Award: artwork features a native and invasive species found in the student's local area.

Fish Habitat Writing Award: creative writing answers: “Why do you think it’s important to protect our lakes, rivers, estuaries, and coastlines?”.

Point of Contact

Gus Elliot, gus.elliott@dnr.iowa.gov

Contest you'll be submitting to:

Minnesota State Contest

Minnesota Contest Entry Form
Eligible Fish Species

All fish and shark species are eligible.

Fish Species Resource

https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/species-directory

Submission Process

You can either submit your entry online or mail your artwork and essay. If you are submitting online, please scan your artwork and essay. All entries must first be submitted through an entry form.

Entry Deadline

February 28th, 2026

Additional Awards Available

Students have the ability to be eligible for additional awards depending on what material you use or the species being drawn in the artwork. Artwork can qualify for multiple awards. Learn more about the speciality awards and view past winners.

Guy Harvey Shark Award: artwork features a shark species.

Great Lakes Fish Award: artwork features a Great Lakes fish species from the native, naturalized, or non-native list.

Invader Crusader Award: artwork features a native and invasive species found in the student's local area.

Fish Habitat Writing Award: creative writing answers: “Why do you think it’s important to protect our lakes, rivers, estuaries, and coastlines?”.

Point of Contact

Chris Clayton, Chris.Clayton@state.mn.us

Contest you'll be submitting to:

Mississippi State Contest

Mississippi Contest Entry Form
Eligible Fish Species

All fish and shark species

Fish Species Resource

https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/species-directory

Submission Process

You can either submit your entry online or mail your artwork and essay. If you are submitting online, please scan your artwork and essay. All entries must first be submitted through an entry form.

Entry Deadline

February 28th, 2026

Additional Awards Available

Students have the ability to be eligible for additional awards depending on what material you use or the species being drawn in the artwork. Artwork can qualify for multiple awards. Learn more about the speciality awards and view past winners.

Guy Harvey Shark Award: artwork features a shark species.

Great Lakes Fish Award: artwork features a Great Lakes fish species from the native, naturalized, or non-native list.

Invader Crusader Award: artwork features a native and invasive species found in the student's local area.

Fish Habitat Writing Award: creative writing answers: “Why do you think it’s important to protect our lakes, rivers, estuaries, and coastlines?”.

Point of Contact

Emily-Jo Wiggins, Emily-Jo.Wiggins@wfp.ms.gov

Contest you'll be submitting to:

Missouri State Contest

Missouri Contest Entry Form
Eligible Fish Species

All fish and shark species

Fish Species Resource

https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/species-directory

Submission Process

You can either submit your entry online or mail your artwork and essay. If you are submitting online, please scan your artwork and essay. All entries must first be submitted through an entry form.

Entry Deadline

February 28th, 2026

Additional Awards Available

Students have the ability to be eligible for additional awards depending on what material you use or the species being drawn in the artwork. Artwork can qualify for multiple awards. Learn more about the speciality awards and view past winners.

Guy Harvey Shark Award: artwork features a shark species.

Great Lakes Fish Award: artwork features a Great Lakes fish species from the native, naturalized, or non-native list.

Invader Crusader Award: artwork features a native and invasive species found in the student's local area.

Fish Habitat Writing Award: creative writing answers: “Why do you think it’s important to protect our lakes, rivers, estuaries, and coastlines?”.

Point of Contact

edu@wondersofwildlife.org

Contest you'll be submitting to:

Nebraska State Contest

Nebraska Contest Entry Form
Eligible Fish Species

All fish and shark species

Fish Species Resource

https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/species-directory

Submission Process

You can either submit your entry online or mail your artwork and essay. If you are submitting online, please scan your artwork and essay. All entries must first be submitted through an entry form.

Entry Deadline

February 28th, 2026

Additional Awards Available

Students have the ability to be eligible for additional awards depending on what material you use or the species being drawn in the artwork. Artwork can qualify for multiple awards. Learn more about the speciality awards and view past winners.

Guy Harvey Shark Award: artwork features a shark species.

Great Lakes Fish Award: artwork features a Great Lakes fish species from the native, naturalized, or non-native list.

Invader Crusader Award: artwork features a native and invasive species found in the student's local area.

Fish Habitat Writing Award: creative writing answers: “Why do you think it’s important to protect our lakes, rivers, estuaries, and coastlines?”.

Point of Contact

Larry Pape, Larry.Pape@nebraska.gov

Contest you'll be submitting to:

New Mexico State Contest

New Mexico Contest Entry Form
Eligible Fish Species

All fish and shark species

Contest you'll be submitting to:

South Carolina State Contest

South Carolina Contest Entry Form
Eligible Fish Species

All fish and shark species

Contest you'll be submitting to:

Tennessee State Contest

Tennessee Contest Entry Form
Eligible Fish Species

Fish species found in Tennessee

Fish Species Resource

https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/species-directory

Submission Process

Artwork & creative writing must be mailed-in, but students must first submit an online entry form before mailing.

Entry Deadline

February 28th, 2026

Additional Awards Available

Students have the ability to be eligible for additional awards depending on what material you use or the species being drawn in the artwork. Artwork can qualify for multiple awards. Learn more about the speciality awards and view past winners.

Invader Crusader Award: artwork features a native and invasive species found in the student's local area.

Fish Habitat Writing Award: creative writing answers: “Why do you think it’s important to protect our lakes, rivers, estuaries, and coastlines?”.

Point of Contact

Emily Buck, Emily.A.Buck@tn.gov

Contest you'll be submitting to:

Texas Art State Contest

Texas Contest Entry Form
Eligible Fish Species

Fish species found in Texas

Fish Species Resource

https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/species-directory

Submission Process

Artwork & creative writing must be mailed-in, but students must first submit an online entry form before mailing.

Entry Deadline

February 28th, 2026

Additional Awards Available

Students have the ability to be eligible for additional awards depending on what material you use or the species being drawn in the artwork. Artwork can qualify for multiple awards. Learn more about the speciality awards and view past winners.

Guy Harvey Shark Award: artwork features a shark species.

Invader Crusader Award: artwork features a native and invasive species found in the student's local area.

Fish Habitat Writing Award: creative writing answers: “Why do you think it’s important to protect our lakes, rivers, estuaries, and coastlines?”.

Point of Contact

Darrel Malone, darrel.malone@tpwd.texas.gov

Contest you'll be submitting to:

Vermont Art State Contest

Vermont Contest Entry Form
Eligible Fish Species

All fish and shark species

Fish Species Resource

https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/species-directory

Submission Process

All artwork must be uploaded to the online entry form. Please scan all artwork and essays.

Entry Deadline

February 28th, 2026

Additional Awards Available

Students have the ability to be eligible for additional awards depending on what material you use or the species being drawn in the artwork. Artwork can qualify for multiple awards. Learn more about the speciality awards and view past winners.

Guy Harvey Shark Award: artwork features a shark species.

Great Lakes Fish Award: artwork features a Great Lakes fish species from the native, naturalized, or non-native list.

Invader Crusader Award: artwork features a native and invasive species found in the student's local area.

Fish Habitat Writing Award: creative writing answers: “Why do you think it’s important to protect our lakes, rivers, estuaries, and coastlines?”.

Point of Contact

Corey Hart, Corey.Hart@vermont.gov

Contest you'll be submitting to:

Virginia State Contest

Virginia Contest Entry Form
Eligible Fish Species

All fish and shark species

Fish Species Resource

https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/species-directory

Submission Process

You can either submit your entry online or mail your artwork and essay. If you are submitting online, please scan your artwork and essay. All entries must first be submitted through an entry form.

Entry Deadline

February 28th, 2026

Additional Awards Available

Students have the ability to be eligible for additional awards depending on what material you use or the species being drawn in the artwork. Artwork can qualify for multiple awards. Learn more about the speciality awards and view past winners.

Guy Harvey Shark Award: artwork features a shark species.

Great Lakes Fish Award: artwork features a Great Lakes fish species from the native, naturalized, or non-native list.

Invader Crusader Award: artwork features a native and invasive species found in the student's local area.

Fish Habitat Writing Award: creative writing answers: “Why do you think it’s important to protect our lakes, rivers, estuaries, and coastlines?”.

Point of Contact

Tim Zhao, tim.zhao@theNYVA.org

Contest you'll be submitting to:

Washington State Contest

Washington Contest Entry Form
Eligible Fish Species

Fish species found in Washington

Fish Species Resource

https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/species-directory

Submission Process

All artwork must be uploaded to the online entry form. Please scan all artwork and essays.

Entry Deadline

February 28th, 2026

Additional Awards Available

Students have the ability to be eligible for additional awards depending on what material you use or the species being drawn in the artwork. Artwork can qualify for multiple awards. Learn more about the speciality awards and view past winners.

Guy Harvey Shark Award: artwork features a shark species.

Great Lakes Fish Award: artwork features a Great Lakes fish species from the native, naturalized, or non-native list.

Invader Crusader Award: artwork features a native and invasive species found in the student's local area.

Fish Habitat Writing Award: creative writing answers: “Why do you think it’s important to protect our lakes, rivers, estuaries, and coastlines?”.

Point of Contact

Tina Su, tinaartforever@gmail.com