
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 FormElgible 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 FormElgible 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 FormEligible 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
Alaska State Contest
Alaska Contest Entry FormEligible Fish Species
Only fish found in Alaska are eligible for the Alaska Fish Art Contest.
Fish Species Resource
https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=animals.listfish
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
Annetee Heckart, Annette.Heckart@usda.gov
Contest you'll be submitting to:
California State Contest
California Contest Entry FormEligible Fish Species
Only fish found in California are elgible for the California Fish Art Contest.
Eligible Fish 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.
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:
DC Art Contest
DC Contest Entry FormEligible Fish Species
Only fish found in DC are elgible for the DC Fish Art Contest.
Species Resource
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.
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
doee.arec@dc.gov
Contest you'll be submitting to:
Florida State Contest
Florida Contest Entry FormEligible 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 FormEligible 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 FormEligible 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 FormEligible 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 FormEligible 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 FormEligible 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 FormEligible 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 FormEligible 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 FormEligible Fish Species
All fish and shark species
Contest you'll be submitting to:
South Carolina State Contest
South Carolina Contest Entry FormEligible Fish Species
All fish and shark species
Contest you'll be submitting to:
Tennessee State Contest
Tennessee Contest Entry FormEligible 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 FormEligible 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 FormEligible 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 FormEligible 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 FormEligible 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