Contest you'll be submitting to:

General Fish Art Contest

Eligible Fish Species

All fish and shark species are eligible. Your artwork must feature a wild fish species in a natural habitat. Goldfish, guppies, bettas, and koi fish are NOT eligible. There are no other species restrictions for your region.

Fish Species Resource

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

Depending on what species or habitats are chosen for the final artwork, an artist may qualify for additional awards and recognition. These extra honors include Speciality Awards, which celebrate outstanding art in a specific area of conservation or creative expression. Below are a few examples of from previous years. Since these awards are subject to change and expansion from year to year, you can find the most updated information and view past winners on our Speciality Awards page.

International Migratory Fish Artwork: artwork features a shark species.

Guy Harvey Shark Award: artwork features a migratory fish species from the award list.

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

Mandy Nix, Art of Conservation Program Manager: mnix@wildlifeforever.org or info@wildlifeforever.org

Alaska State Contest

Eligible Fish Species

All fish and shark species are eligible. Your artwork must feature a wild fish species in a natural habitat. Goldfish, guppies, bettas, and koi fish are NOT eligible. There are no other species restrictions for your region.

Fish Species Resource

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

https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=animals.listfish

Depending on what species or habitats are chosen for the final artwork, an artist may qualify for additional awards and recognition. These extra honors include Speciality Awards, which celebrate outstanding art in a specific area of conservation or creative expression. Below are a few examples of from previous years. Since these awards are subject to change and expansion from year to year, you can find the most updated information and view past winners on our Speciality Awards page.

International Migratory Fish Artwork: artwork features a shark species.

Guy Harvey Shark Award: artwork features a migratory fish species from the award list.

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

Mandy Nix, Art of Conservation Program Manager: mnix@wildlifeforever.org or info@wildlifeforever.org

Contest you'll be submitting to:

California State Contest

Eligible Fish Species

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

Eligible Fish Species

Freshwater Fish

Saltwater Fish

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

Eligible Fish Species

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

Species Resource

https://doee.dc.gov/sites/default/files/dc/sites/doee/service_content/attachments/Fish%20Art%20Contest%20DC%20Species%20List.pdf

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

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

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

Eligible Fish Species

Fish species found in Illinois

Fish Species Resource

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

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

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

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

Eligible Fish Species

All fish and shark species are eligible.

Fish Species Resource

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

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

Eligible Fish Species

All fish and shark species

Fish Species Resource

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

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

Eligible Fish Species

All fish and shark species

Fish Species Resource

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

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

Eligible Fish Species

All fish and shark species

Fish Species Resource

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

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 Art State Contest

Eligible Fish Species

Fish Species found in New Mexico

Fish Species Resource

https://wildlife.dgf.nm.gov/art-of-conservation/

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.

New Mexico Native Trout Award: celebrating outstanding artwork that highlights New Mexico’s unique native trout species, Gila trout or Rio Grande Cutthroat trout, symbols of our state’s wild waters and conservation heritage.

Great Lakes Fish Award: this award recognizes artwork that best represents New Mexico’s fish listed as Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) — animals identified by the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish as being most at risk and in need of proactive conservation.

New Mexico Species of Greatest Conservation Need: 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

Curt Coffman, dgf-aquaticed@dgf.nm.gov

Contest you'll be submitting to:

South Carolina State Contest

Eligible Fish Species

Fish species found in South Carolina, including both freshwater and saltwater speices.

Fish Species Resource

ID Chart

Freshwater Pocket Guide

Saltwater Pocket Guide

Saltwater ID Guide

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?”.

Brookie Award: artwork features an Appalachian brook trout.

Palmetto & Moon Award: artwork features a palmetto tree, crescent moon, and/ or Carolina Wren.

Lowcountry Award: artwork features a native species to South Carolina and includes coastal marshes, sunrises or sunsets, and/or tidal waves.

Congaree Canopy Award: artwork features an diadromous fish species and includes forests and wetlands in the background.

Point of Contact

Pam Corwin, corwinp@dnr.sc.gov

Contest you'll be submitting to:

Tennessee State Contest

Eligible Fish Species

Fish species found in Tennessee

Fish Species Resource

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

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

Eligible Fish Species

Fish species found in Texas

Fish Species Resource

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

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

Eligible Fish Species

All fish and shark species

Fish Species Resource

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

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

Eligible Fish Species

All fish and shark species

Fish Species Resource

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

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

Eligible Fish Species

Fish species found in Washington

Fish Species Resource

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

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